Few things will ruin a cruise faster than feeling seasick. To help prevent motion sickness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying hydrated, curbing alcohol and caffeinated drinks, eating small meals and limiting external stimuli (closing your eyes, lying face down or keeping your eyes on the horizon). And while some experts say that cabins in the middle of the lower deck of a ship may help temper motion sickness, the C.D.C. has reported that cabin location on a cruise ship does not appear to influence the likelihood of motion sickness.

So what to do? You could take Dramamine or another antihistamine, which can control nausea and vomiting, or a prescription medication such as the Transderm Scop patch or Promethazine, many of which will make you drowsy. If youd rather not, consider trying one of the natural remedies below. They have mixed scientific reviews: Some studies suggest they are effective, others do not. But as anyone who has ever endured seasickness knows, often it cant hurt to try.

Ginger

Ginger, a popular folk remedy for an uneasy stomach, may help with motion sickness, too. According to the National Institutes of Health, ginger contains chemicals that work in the stomach and intestines, but possibly also in the brain and nervous system to control nausea. The key word is possibly. A ratings scale known as the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates the effectiveness of natural medicines based on scientific evidence, according to the Institutes. Ginger is rated as possibly effective for dizziness and nausea, yet possibly ineffective for preventing motion sickness and seasickness. If you want to see if ginger treats your nausea, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends trying ginger tea or taking a 250-milligram capsule three times a day. (Note, though, that ginger may increase the risk of bleeding for those on blood thinners.) You can also try ginger-flavored lozenges, which the C.D.C. says might help or at the very least prove distracting and that alone can temper queasiness.

Acupressure

Acupressure bands and bracelets (some with magnets in them) claim to prevent motion sickness by stimulating an acupressure point known in Chinese medicine as Neiguan. Applying pressure and massaging this spot located three finger breadths below the wrist on the inner forearm in between the two tendons, as the U.C.L.A. Center for East-West Medicine describes it is said to relieve nausea and motion sickness. Some passengers using chat boards of websites like x say the Sea-Band brand of wristbands has worked for them. There are a variety of brands on the market, though, and if you plan to try one that includes a magnet, be aware that the Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers against purchasing medical devices (or products that claim to be medical devices) over the Internet, including magnets that are advertised to cure multiple conditions such as carpal tunnel, motion sickness, and back ache.

Aromatherapy

For some travelers, essential oils from plants alleviate nausea, especially lavender and peppermint aromatherapy. Yet according to the National Institutes of Health there is little scientific evidence of lavenders effectiveness for most health uses. The same can be said of peppermint oil, despite some studies showing that it improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Even so, the C.D.C. has reported that stimulating other senses can help distract motion sickness sufferers and in that way, mint or lavender aromatherapy scents may prove effective. So breathe deeply and inhale...

Music

A number of studies have shown the power of music therapy for lessening anxiety, easing nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, relieving pain after surgery and, yes, for reducing seasickness. The underlying reason? Distraction, which, it turns out, can work wonders. A study published in 2012 by researchers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany found that distraction isnt only a mental process: It can reduce the number of pain signals traveling from the spinal cord to the brain. So to ensure a bon voyage, consider creating a playlist of your favorite music not just for the benefit of your ears, but possibly your stomach, too.

By Stephanie arose bloom (NY Times: "Prone to Seasickness? Distraction might help)

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

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

Featured photo credit: Scientopia.org

One of the most important decisions a person will make when planning a cruise is choosing a cabin. The importance of cabin location and knowing what is below, above and beside you on board a ship can’t be understated. To avoid unpleasant and unwelcome noises, smells or distractions, consult a deck plan for assistance in selecting a cabin in a desirable location.

While you're studying your deck plan, take notice of these prime areas of the ship to avoid:

Stairs or Elevators. People tend to congregate around the elevators and, of course, happy and excited people laugh and talk loudly. If you’re the type that likes to nap in the middle of the day or turn in early at night, avoid cabins near busy elevators.

The Laundry Room. Yes, there are Laundromats on board - and people who wash clothes while on vacation. I am happy to say that I’m not one of them. If you’ve got your eye on an inside cabin, be certain it’s not adjacent to the laundry area. Otherwise, you could be rocking yourself to sleep to the sound of the spin cycle.

The Pool Deck. People love to drag their chairs from one end of the pool deck to the other. Why? To annoy the people in the cabins below, of course! Take a look at the deck plans and situate yourself below a quieter area.

Night Club. The party animals come out at night, and they’re not going to care if you’re up in your cabin trying to get 30 winks because you want to get up early in the morning to see the sunrise. Avoid a cabin above or below any room with loud music and a dance floor.

Mechanical Equipment. The cranking, knocking, banging and screeching of the ship’s equipment doing its thing when docking can leave you feeling like you’re on a haunted ship – not to mention leaving you tired from lack of sleep. Avoid areas of the ship where this is most likely to take place – low and forward.

Public Areas. This includes dining rooms, buffets, atrium, show lounges and the theatre – any place where lots of people congregate an make a lot of noise. If you must choose a cabin above or below a public area, pick an area that’s known for quiet activity – the library or the internet café.

Fitness Room/Jogging Track. Unless you enjoy the pounding of running feet early in the morning while you’re trying to sleep the day away, avoid situating yourself below the fitness center. Beneath the neighboring spa would be a better choice.

Kid Centers. While kids will be seen and heard anywhere on board, you can minimize the intrusion if you're looking for quiet by staying clear of the places where they hang out the most.

Cruisers who book at the last minute may not have much say about where they lay their heads. But for those folks (like me) who prefer to book well in advance while there are still lots of cabin options, then a deck plan can be your best friend.

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

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

Your food is included, and sometimes even the drinks are as well. One of the best things about going on a cruise is the total freedom from worrying about having to pay for anything during your stay. Unfortunately, incidental charges add up and have to be paid for at the end of the cruise, and one of the worst can be for a simple medical consultation. Seeing a doctor onboard for something as basic as seasickness medicine or blisters on your heels can cost upwards of $100, according to Frommers, none of which is needed when you pack your own basic medical supplies. No one expects you to set your own broken bones, but for minor medical problems your own emergency kit can save you time and a lot of money.

First Aid for Everyone

You don't need to pack an entire comprehensive first aid kit just for a short cruise, but bring along some of the more commonly used items. Bandages for small cuts are useful, as is moleskin to prevent blisters on your feet. Pack over-the-counter medication such as pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medicine, insect bite spray and antihistamine for allergic reactions. Antibiotic wipes and hand sanitizer are handy and take up little room, and sunscreen and lip balm are basic necessities for any cruise.

Care for Your Eyes

Eye drops are handy for eyes that are out in bright sunlight and salt spray all day, and they'll also take care of dry, itchy eyeballs if you're suffering from allergies or long nights of partying. If you wear corrective eyewear, it's doubly important to pack emergency supplies for your eyes. If you wear glasses, bring along another pair in case of breakage. Check with your eyewear professional to get an inexpensive replacement pair just for traveling. Contact lens wearers should always travel with extra pairs of contacts. Sites such as visiondirect.com allow you to purchase inexpensive supplies online, saving you time and money.

Personal Medical Conditions

If you have any kind of chronic medical condition, it's important that you carry extra supplies of medication with a complete prescription in your name attached. It might seem convenient to transfer some of your pills into one of those tiny keychain pill bottles, but anyone traveling in international waters is subject to search. Unlabeled pills will probably be confiscated and discarded, leaving you without a supply of your needed medication. A copy of your medical records can be helpful if your condition has a possibility of worsening during your cruise. Do some research about your medication and the countries you'll be touring, Some ingredients are banned in some countries, while being perfectly legal in others. For example, codeine is banned in the United Arab Emerites, and penalties can apply if you're found with banned substances on board. If you will run into a problem with one of your medications, check with your doctor about alternative medicine options while you are on the cruise.

WESTON, Fla. -- cruisefaremonitor.com opened its doors to the public on June 27, 2013. Using state-of-the-art computer technology, combined with instant e-mails and phone alerts, they make available an estimated $3.5 billion in annual cost savings to cruise line customers. According to Doug Parker from cruiseradio.net, this is “an absolutely brilliant money saving website”. Since opening its doors, most people that signed up with CFM have already received a price drop alert, and many have received multiple alerts.

There is a policy in the cruise industry seldom used effectively by travelers to save money. If the price of a cruise drops after deposit is made, cruise passengers are often entitled to rebook at the lower rate without penalty. Travelers aware of this policy may check the cost of their cruise periodically to see if a price drop has occurred, but this tactic is time consuming and requires luck as price decreases are often temporary and may rise again.

Cruise lines do not inform clients that the price of a previously booked stateroom has dropped. As well, travel agents have a financial disincentive to inform clients when a drop in price occurs – their commission decreases each time they rebook at a lower fare. Travel websites have no mechanism for letting clients know that the cost of a cruise booked through them has declined. Until now, cruise passengers had no fast and reliable way of detecting a drop in their cruise fare.

The fact is, cruise lines frequently lower fares multiple times between a passenger’s booking and the final payment date. Often, these decreases occur multiple times in a single day to fill undersold sailings, attract people from certain parts of the country, pull in previous cruise passengers or, to target a certain demographic – such as those aged 55 and over.

This supply-and-demand change in prices offers a unique opportunity for cruise passengers to save money – if only they had access to quick and reliable information on daily rate changes.

Enter cruisefaremonitor.com (CFM) – the brainchild of a University professor and his travel agent. Together, they created and designed a fully automated ingenious method for cruise passengers to quickly and reliably monitor changes in cruise fares – at a surprisingly nominal cost.

Here’s how it works. Clients book their cruise, go to the CFM website and key in their cruise line, ship, sail date, stateroom category, number of people per stateroom, state of residence, whether they’re age 55+ and if they are a past customer with the cruise line. It takes less than a minute to do this. If CFM is monitoring that cruise and stateroom, CFM will provide unlimited e-mail or phone text alerts up until final payment date or until the ship sails.

The unique feature of CFM is that cruise passengers will typically know about a drop in the price of their cruise before anyone else – enabling them to rebook at the lower rate before it disappears.

It’s even possible for savvy travelers who have yet to book a cruise to sign up with CFM to identify a set price or upper limit they’re willing to pay for a specified stateroom category on a given sailing, and let CFM do the daily legwork to determine if the price drops to their limit. If it does, clients are alerted immediately.

CFM’s fees are nominal, with two options: The first is a one-time fixed, prepaid fee, ranging from $10-$15 dollars. Clients may optionally choose a fee that requires payment only if the fare actually drops and clients save money. Cruise lines now being monitored include Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, and Royal Caribbean – a list that may expand in the future. Right now CFM is only available to U.S. citizens.

cruisefaremonitor.com welcomes travelers and travel agents to use their state-of-the-art technology to save money on cruising. Cruise travelers should first book their cruise, then “CFM their cruise vacation.”

___________________________________________________________

About cruisefaremonitor.com (CFM)

CFM is based in Weston, Florida. For more information, please visit cruisefaremonitor.com.

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As a cruise specialist, one of the questions I hear most is “why should I book with a travel agent, when I can simply book directly on the web with the cruise line?” Great question. Purchasing a cruise should be a personal experience. All cruises are not alike, and the best cruise experience is one where the cruise ship and itinerary are matched to the client with his or her personality and interests in mind. So while booking directly on the cruise line’s website may appear to be an easy process, do you really have all the facts to make an informed decision to book that cruise? Following are ten compelling reasons why you should book with an experienced travel agent – specifically one that specializes in cruise travel.

1. You’re a first-time cruiser. You have always wanted to take a cruise, but simply don’t know where to begin. You’re befuddled by the all the choices: small ship, big ship, inside cabin, outside cabin, early dining, late dining, anytime dining and all the other variables that make up a cruise vacation. No wonder you’re in a tizzy. An agent will help you sort through a sea of options and find the best ones that work for you.

2. Your time is precious. Who wants to spend hours sorting through the hundreds of cruise ship and itinerary options? An experienced agent will be happy to do the work for you – it’s what cruise counselors do.

3. Complete door-to-door service. Do you need a ride to or from the ship? Air transportation? A hotel the night before or after your cruise? A shore tour? The cruise line will be more than happy to book these as part of a complete package, but your choices will be quite limited to whomever the cruise line contracts with. A cruise agent, on the other hand, has connections to many taxi companies, local tour guides, discount hotels and other resources that can save you money or provide service in line with your particular style.

4. Reliable Pricing. Have you ever logged on to a web-only cruise site to research pricing on a particular cruise? You’ll see one price listed, one for each cabin category. You say to yourself, great – I think I’ll book. However, in many cases that’s not the only price; there may be other promotion codes, as well, allowing for different rates for the same cabin. A knowledgeable agent will let you know whether any price discounting is available resulting from any special promotions, group pricing, or whether you might qualify for a past passenger rate, a military rate or other discount and/or added amenity.

5. Unbiased information. An independent agent is working for you, not a particular travel supplier or cruise line. While you are welcomed to take advantage of all the services the cruise line will offer as part of a cruise package, the agent will help you find other alternatives if the cruise choices are not to your liking or you simply want to find ways to save money on your vacation.

6. Added amenities and reduced group pricing. Cruise agencies will typically reserve groups of cabins and sell them to their clients at a reduced group-only rate and include other amenities such as onboard credit, a bottle of wine, free excursion, or any number of other gifts.

7. Personalized Service. Have you ever been frustrated with the 800-number large web-based agencies, waiting on hold, unreturned phone calls, or misinformation? In some cases, the representative you are dealing with has never stepped foot on a cruise ship and is just relating information from the cruise line’s website. A good, reliable agent will never leave you hanging, always return calls and emails promptly, and pass along information from both the cruise line and the agent’s own personal experience. A good agent knows what you are looking for in a cruise vacation and will make it happen in a friendly and professional way.

8. Support Small Business. With thousands of agencies out there beckoning for your business – brick & mortar and on-line agencies alike – competition is fierce. Small, independent agencies – in business for years, with a loyal clientele – need to work hard to retain their place in the world of cruise selling. These mom & pop agents have access to the same resources as the big web agencies as well as personal experience and unmatched service you won’t find anywhere else. The next time you call 1-800 Big Cruise Company, keep in mind that you may be taking business away from the guy around the corner trying to feed a family.

9. An Agent Has Your Back. If any problems should arise before or during your vacation, a good agent will advocate on your behalf.

10. Transfer your direct-with-cruise-line booking to a travel agent. Did you know that if you find an agent you really like but have already booked direct with the cruise line, that you can transfer that booking to the agent? Simply let the agent know, and he or she will take care of the whole process. You’re cruise stays exactly the same, you will receive great service, the agent will get a commission, and everyone wins!

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

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

Photo credit: Janice Neves

Once upon a time, if you were planning a cruise, you would go to your travel agent for all the advice you needed. The agent would answer questions, provide glossy brochures and make recommendations based on his own experience. A visit to the local library might be undertaken to pick up travel guides on the particular destination, cruise line or cruise ship as a way to become an informed traveler. The Sunday newspaper’s travel section was the go-to place to find current news and reviews of hot destinations and vacations. Then came the World Wide Web, and everything changed.

With instant access to the web, information is just a click away. Many on-line cruise community sites (including our own CruiseCrazies.com) set aside space for travelers to comment on cruise lines, cruise ships, ports of calls and even excursions, and the public is speaking! While some reviews are provided by professional travel writers, it’s the experiences of the everyday consumer that we are most interested in.

When it comes to planning a cruise these days, reviews can be a tremendous help and an extremely valuable resource. However, the sheer volume of reviews out there can be utterly overwhelming and may hinder the planning process rather than help it. It seems everyone has an opinion, so whom do we believe and how much should someone else’s perspective influence what cruise we choose?

Here are a few guidelines to follow when reading cruise reviews:

Negative comments usually outnumber the positive. It’s human nature to point out the bad experiences over the good ones. Sometimes a person’s expectations are not met or they had a bad experience and want to bring attention to the cruise line’s shortcomings. Remember, it’s just one person’s point of view. Read several reviews of the same cruise, and if everyone is complaining about the same situation, then the negative comments are probably warranted and should be taken into consideration.

Be wary of the reviewer who bashes the entire cruise. On occasion, you may run across a review where it seems nothing went right on the cruise, not one positive moment. The food was awful, the entertainment was lousy, the bed was too hard, the weather was stormy, the ship was too noisy, too cold, too hot, too crowded - you name it. Just laugh a little and skip right over these, because obviously the person has had a beef with the cruise line since the moment he stepped on board and can’t possibly be a credible source of information.

Useful reviews point out both the strong points and the weaknesses. The most helpful reviews contain a fair and balanced report of both the good and not so great aspects of the cruise. Even on the most horrid of cruises, it’s difficult to not have experienced at least one good moment at sea. Passengers want to know that they can look forward to a great cruise, but they also want to be aware of – and possibly avoid - any potentially bad situations they may encounter on their vacation.

Read several reviews of the same ship and itinerary. Even though a ship may be sailing to the same exact places on the same clock each time it leaves port, every experience is different. The enjoyment of a cruise – or lack thereof – is affected by a number of things. Passenger demographic, weather, and the assigned crew on a particular sailing can all have an affect on the cruise experience. Reviews of the same cruise embarking on different dates will give you a good idea of the overall experience for that itinerary.

Don’t rely totally on professional reviews to sway your decision. Travel professionals and cruise specialists by the very nature of their occupation can be a valuable resource when gathering information about a cruise. On the other side of the coin, professionals take “fam” trips – or familiarization trips – to learn about new ships or refits. In some cases, these are brief introductory trips on which a travel agent or professional cruises for free or at a reduced rate, and the cruise line, in turn, depends on these folks to sell their cruises and otherwise provide good press. Therefore, while some professionals and agents will write a balanced and fair review, others may feel pressured to present only the good aspects of a cruise they experienced in just 2 days. Just as the guy who bashes an entire week of cruising, be wary of any review that is only glowing and positive.

If reviews leave you overwhelmed and confused, stop reading. In preparation for my first cruise ever, I read every single review I laid eyes upon, even resorting to printing and highlighting text. As a result, I had a stack of papers that left my mind in a muddled mess, so confused and overwhelmed by all the varying points of view. In the end, I tossed the paper into the recycle bin and stopped reading reviews altogether. These days, I still read consumer reviews when embarking on a new cruise, but only a few and without the highlighter. While reviews are helpful, too many can cloud the mind. Read in moderation, use your instincts and form your own conclusion.

Remember – a review is just one person’s opinion. Just like a trinket at a yard sale – one person’s garbage could be someone else’s treasure. Just because they hated the Beef Wellington doesn’t mean you will. People have different likes, dislikes and expectations – it’s what makes the world so interesting.

Embark on your cruise with an open mind, expect the unexpected, be prepared for anything, and you’ll have a great time – and don’t forget to write about it when you get back!

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

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

Royal Caribbean is coming under fire for allegedly leaving an elderly American man stranded in a hospital in Bartin, Turkey after he fell and broke his hip.

Dodge and Jill Melkonian, of Clearwater, Fla., were on an Azamara cruise, which is owned by Royal Caribbean, when Dodge fell and broke his hip requiring medical care that went beyond the capabilities of the ship's doctors.

Tammy Levent, founder of Elite Travel, the couple's long-time travel agent, told Fox News that the ship's crew left them at a hospital in Bartin, where little English is spoken and, due to cultural rules, prohibits women inside the facility.

She said that had it not been for her company's relationship with an in-country, English speaking tour guide, Okan Kutla, the couple would have been left to fend for themselves. Kutla was able to act as a translator and arrange for Melkonian to be transferred to an American hospital in Istanbul.

"He is 89 years old with a broken hip," she said. "It was a government hospital, it was dirty. This hospital wasn’t capable of doing the surgery."

The hospital where Melkonian was transferred was able to perform the surgery, but now he's facing further medical procedures, including a blood transfusion. But at $10,000 a day, the hospital tab is rising daily.

The Melkonians had travel insurance, but it was set up by Royal Caribbean because the couple had been on another Royal Caribbean cruise that had been damaged by fire. This cruise was complementary as a result. Levent says that ordinarily she would have recommended additional insurance but the couple couldn't get it because the cruise was free. Levent says the cruise line, that has been slow to respond, should pick up the growing costs incurred by the couple.

Royal Caribbean, in a statement, said that it has been assisting the couple all along.

"Even though Mr. and Mrs. Melkonian had to leave the ship, we still provided assistance to them while in Turkey…the health and safety of all our guests is always our top priority. We will continue to what we can to assist Mr. and Mrs. Melkonian, and we wish him a speedy recovery," said spokeswoman for Royal Caribbean, Cynthia Martinez.

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson has been working to help bring the couple home safely, and a State Department official weighed in saying that the consulate general in Istanbul is in direct communication with them.

Having a reliable travel agent, especially during crisis, can provide more than emotional support. A travel agent is the client's advocate and works with cruise insurance companies to coordinate travel arrangements, such as cruise rebookings and flights. But in the cases where insurance doesn't cover the cost emergency medical care, Levent says having an agent fighting for you is invaluable.

By Fox News

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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If you’ve been on a few cruises, you’ve probably learned the hard way that there are a few things that would have come in handy or saved the day if you’d remembered to pack them. No, I’m not talking shoes. I mean things that come in real handy in a pinch. So, for you first-timers or for those of you who may not have thought about it, here are ten useful items to add to the top of your packing list.

1. Earplugs. Take it from me. I live with a guy who snores on a regular basis, and there are some nights I could not survive without these lifesavers. Not only are they useful for blocking out a noisy Neanderthal, but also good for muffling ship noises and annoying neighbors.

2. Flashlight: Whether you have a dark inside cabin or are unlucky enough to be caught in the dark during a cruise ship emergency, you will be very grateful for the backup light.

3. Power strip: iPod, iPad, iPhone, iMac – I-yai yai! If you are tethered to your electronic gadgets and wouldn’t dream of leaving home without them, a power strip is a must. Sure, you could alternate your devices, taking turns at the one plug, but you’ll be cursing if all of a sudden you need to call home and your cell is dead because it didn’t have a turn at getting charged up.

4. Extra AA or AAA batteries – or a camera battery. Obvious, but easy to overlook. Load up on extras before your vacation, and you won’t be paying a king’s ransom to buy them in port. Besides, you don’t want to be standing in front of one of the Seven Wonders to find that you camera just died with no battery backup.

5. Extra SD card. If you fill up the first one while shooting pictures and you’re only half way through your vacation, you’ll be grateful for the spare. It’s a good idea to bring extras from home, because you may not be able to find one suitable for your camera or your preferences in a foreign port.

6. Zip-lock bags. Bring along bags in assorted sizes. One and two-gallon size are great for packing and protecting your dress, shirts, skirts & sweaters from madness & mahem in your luggage. Just fold, insert and squeeze out the air. I also use the two-gallon size for all those newsletters, travel books and brochures to protect them from moisture. Quart size bags, of course, are required for the 4-ounce liquid airline carry-on requirement, but are also good for packing small snacks for tours and returning home with those little amenities from the cabin bathroom. Finally, the snack size bags are perfect for the smallest items – jewelry, hairpins, earplugs and other tiny objects that could potentially be lost in the shuffle.

7. Bubble wrap: Say what? Did you run out of clean underwear to wrap your breakables in for the trip home? Bubble wrap is incredibly good at protecting your breakable souvenirs, weighs next to nothing and takes up little room in your luggage. If the fragile item contains liquid, place the bubble-wrapped item in a Zip-lock bag first to protect the rest of the things in your luggage

8. Reusable beverage container. I am not a huge soda drinker, and even if I was, I’m too cheap to pay for a beverage package. Therefore, I bring a reusable bottle filled with travel packs of Crystal Lite, ice tea or other drink mix and pack it in my luggage. I fill it in the morning with water from the tap, mix up my favorite beverage and store it in the fridge for the day. A second bottle comes in handy in port or at the pool.

9. Suction hooks. Storage in a cruise cabin is at a premium, and there never seem to be enough hooks to hold scarves, caps or damp swimsuits. In fact, sometimes there aren’t any hooks at all. These little gems can be attached just about anywhere, depending on the surface, freeing up precious counter space.

10. Duct tape. Duct tape is famous for marking your luggage for easy identification at the airport and cruise port. What a lot of folks don’t realize is that is also handy for shoe repair, first-aid, emergency fixes, leaky things, and a hundred other uses. I was cursing myself for not bringing this necessity along on my last trip. My U-shaped head pillow for the plane sprouted a tiny, pin-size hole. As time went on, the hole became bigger, leaving a trail of tiny, white pellets floating through the air all around me, sticking to my clothing and everything else I came in contact with. I plugged up the hole with a foam earplug and patted my self on the back for my ingenuity. It worked for a little while, until the hole became as round as a dime and the stuff was pouring out of the cushion like a snow machine. I wound up tossing the pillow under the seat on the plane, where it stayed. I would have loved to see the crew cleaning up that mess!

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

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

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Knowing that standing in line is not a pleasant way to start your vacation, cruise lines have been working to speed up the boarding process.

Royal Caribbean serves up surprisingly swift boarding on its 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, the largest ships in the world. Princess is using nifty handheld devices to check-in passengers on its new 3,650-passenger Royal Princess.

Carnival passengers flying into Miami can check in right at the airport, get their cruise keycard and use special security lines at the ports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

A fairly new option is paying for propriety boarding. Carnival, for one, charges an extra $49.95 per person for its Faster to the Fun program that also comes with other perks.

Depending a lot on your attitude, timing and luck, getting onboard a cruise ship with thousands of other passengers can be an easy experience or a hassle. Some strategizing is advised.

Experienced cruisers tend to use one of two strategies to avoid the rush; seasoned passengers either arrive before noon or after 2 p.m.

The before noon crowd is determined to be first in line to get on the ship. They want first dibs on everything from the buffet to spa and specialty restaurant reservations, if they haven't made them in advance.

The downside to arriving early: The ship may not be ready for boarding and once onboard, you must schlep around your carry-on luggage, as your cabin won't typically be ready until around 1:30 p.m.

Those arriving after 2 p.m. stand a better chance of breezing onboard. They may miss the free lunch, but the trade-off is less stress.

Personally, I lean towards the later group. I'm a classic Type A and hate lines.

If you do opt to arrive later, keep in mind the ship is required to deliver a final manifest before the cruise. That means that boarding at least 90 minutes before sailing is mandatory.

Remember, you can speed the process by filling out and printing the online boarding forms.

By Fran Golden, Special to 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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Cruise ships are floating resorts, where passengers can get a massage, gamble through the night or check out a Vegas-style show without ever setting foot on land.

So with so much to do, do you really need a room with a balcony?

"I think it's usually worth it,'' says Mike Driscoll, editor of industry newsletter Cruise Week. "But that depends on the cruise itself, and why you're going."

Of course, seafarers have to figure out if a balcony is in the budget. But Driscoll says price may not be the deterrent it once was.

A few years ago, he says, "you'd be paying double to get a balcony." Now, cabins with balconies on a standard, seven-day cruise generally cost $100 more than those with a window, and between $150 and $200 more than a stateroom inside the ship.

If you're sailing in the Mediterranean or to another scenic destination, the view is definitely worth the money, Driscoll says.

"If you're doing an Alaska cruise, it's so nice out on the balcony, watching the glaciers," he says. "You see all the people on their balconies watching the beauty go by."

There are those vacationers who have little use for a private deck because they're only in the cabin when it's lights out. And a balcony may not matter much to them.

"They'll be out in the casino and running about most of the time," Driscoll says. "For them, it really isn't as important."

TRIP LENGTH A FACTOR

Marshall Jackson, a blogger for “BoardingArea” who lives in Atlanta, opts for a balcony depending on the length of the trip.

If it's at least seven nights, he says, there's more time to relax in your own outdoor space, particularly on days the ship is not in port.

But if the cruise lasts only three or four days, Jackson says, he rarely bothers to get one.

"(It) just seems like you spend so little time in your stateroom on shorter itineraries that a balcony is a waste of money," he says.

Ellen Davis doesn't go much for big cruise ships, preferring river cruises where balconies are the norm. And she's not sure a balcony on a large cruise ship is worth the extra cash just to gaze out at an endless blue sea.

"Not that it's lacking in its own beauty," she says of the sea. "But it falls a little flat compared to watching castles float by on the Danube, or seeing children washing down their water buffalo on the Nile."

Davis, who works in marketing and lives in Peachtree City, Ga., says, "I'd rather enjoy the ocean from the shore, watching the waves crashing, than pay extra on a big boat."

THE BENEFITS

Others disagree and say that having more than a window to the sea has benefits beyond aesthetics.

Brian Matos, director of sales for a supply chain services company based in Frisco, Texas, is one, saying he enjoys having his own piece of the outdoors, away from the crowds.

"It really limits the claustrophobia that sometimes comes with small cabins on a cruise ship," Matos says. "(It's) great to be able to sit outside late at night with a glass of wine, looking at the sea and stars."

William Rodgers, of Martinsburg, W.Va., couldn't agree more.

"It's usually said that the stateroom on a cruise matters little as one is never there," he says. But he found out differently when he and his wife, Judy, decided to book a cabin with a balcony on a cruise to the western Caribbean, including Grand Cayman Island and Belize City.

"We spent more time in the stateroom than we ever expected," Rodgers says.

While his wife slept in, Rodgers says, he would order from room service, then sit on the balcony "reading my book, drinking a cup of coffee and watching the sun rise.

"After we returned to the stateroom in the evening, my wife and I spent time together on the balcony. It was, in her words, a beautifully romantic moment each time we were there."

Now they're hooked, he says. "We will never cruise without a balcony again."

By Charisse Jones, USA Today ("Is Paying Extra for a Balcony Cabin on a Cruise Worth It? ~ April 9, 2013)

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

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

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Whether you choose to call it “duck” tape or “duct” tape, you’ll find that it’s pretty amazing and comes in handy in all sorts of ways. Uses for duct tape are endless, and its benefits in cruise travel range from simply keeping unwanted light from awakening a late sleeper to saving a person’s life with a makeshift bandage.

Sure, maybe it's not as trendy as its classier and pricier cousin, "gaffer’s" tape, but it’s prettier and has a catchy name. Duct tape (especially “Duck” brand tape) now comes in all sorts of colors and prints – from cartoon characters and animal prints to NFL team logos. After all, a whole outfit, complete with accessories, can be made from duct tape.

The story behind this adhesive miracle maker varies, depending on whom you talk to. The tape was originally used to join seams and repair heating and cooling ducts, and apparently was used by the military to patch bullet holes in airplanes – hence the term “duct” tape. It was quite popular in WWII when troops needed waterproof tape because water rolled off it, similar to “… water off a duck’s back”, and consequently earned the name “duck” tape. Most likely, someone probably thought “duct” was a “duck” and simply confused the two. Since “Duck” is also a brand name for duct tape, I’ll refer to it as “duct tape” here, so as not to ruffle any fowl feathers.

Whatever story you believe, you can’t ignore all the inventive ways to use duct tape on a cruise. It’s a traveler’s trusted friend. Following are 25 creative uses for this sensational sticky stuff:

Luggage

1. Repair a broken suitcase handle.

2. Hold the bag closed if the zipper’s busted.

3. Wrap duct tape around your luggage to deter theft by less than honest airport workers (after you go through security, of course).

4. Decorate your luggage with brightly colored tape to find it easily in baggage claim, both at the airport and cruise terminal.

Wardrobe malfunctions

5. Fix a tear in your raincoat or windbreaker.

6. Tape up a fallen hem.

7. Add some extra insulation to your boots or shoes. Tape the insides with duct tape, placing the shiny side against your foot to reflect heat back to you.

8. Patch holes in jeans. Use brightly colored animal or floral prints and make a fashion statement.

9. Secure a detached sole onto your shoe or boot until you reach civilization.

10. Remove lint and pet hair from your formal night clothes.

11. Repair a broken sandal strap.

First aid

12. If you sustain a twisted or broken ankle, wrap it in duct tape to brace it – but not too tightly - until you get help.

13. Likewise, create a splint by immobilizing the limb with a stick and wrap with tape.

14. Use duct tape in place of a band aid.

15. Create an emergency sling with rope fashioned from duct tape. Yes, really. See “Shore Excursions” below.

16. Did you step on glass, and are you miles from help? Clean the cut with water or the first-aid kit you hopefully remembered to bring, and then seal the wound with duct tape. Foot wounds are not to be fooled with.

17. Remove a wart from your foot. Cover with duct tape, and the wart dies in a couple of weeks, as no air penetrates the tape.

18. Cushion a blister on your foot.

In your cabin

19. Close up gaps in curtains to keep the light out if you’re a late sleeper.

20. Don’t trust the security of your safe? Tape an envelope of valuables on the underside of a piece of furniture.

21. Repair a cracked toilet bowl seat as a temporary fix until maintenance arrives.

22. Hold the shower curtain in place so it doesn’t creep up your behind.

23. Got a curious toddler with you? Baby-proof your cabin. Tape all those tempting drawers shut, keep the outlets covered and secure the wires to the wall.

(Just be careful where you attach the stuff, as it can leave a sticky film to the surface.)

Shore excursions

24. If you find yourself in need of a rope, stick an edge of duct tape to something, pull out long pieces and twirl them, creating a sturdy piece of duct tape rope.

25. If you get hopelessly lost in the woods, miss your ship and find yourself starving to death, tape an arrowhead or shard piece to a stick. You’ll have a handy spear for fishing or small game catching. Not that I condone hunting on a cruise, but it beats going hungry.

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

Planning the perfect cruise requires more than just getting the paperwork together and paying for your ticket. You want to be comfortable and appropriate for all parts of the vacation, from hanging out poolside to dining at the captain's table. Pack the right things to enjoy every activity and setting during your cruise.

The CruiseCrazies Packing List and Tips are the perfect packing resource for you. Below is some more helpful information for your cruise packing knowledge.

Read the Dress Code

Before you begin packing, read the dress code policies ... Different cruise lines have different sets of dress codes and require different attire for special events. CruiseCrazies has a detailed guide to Cruise Line Dress Code Policies that you can access here: http://www.cruisecrazies.com/cruise-line-policies/dress-code-policies. Although many activities may allow casual clothes, you may also discover that certain meals and events are formal. While tube dresses are appropriate for afternoon activities, more formal dresses are de riguer for dinners and nighttime shows.

Pack Your Passport

Obtaining the proper documentation is a bothersome (but necessary) part of cruising. As soon as you choose the best cruise and book the trip, check your passport to determine how long it's valid for. As odd as this may sound, some countries require a passport that is still valid for several months after you return home.

Along with your passport, find out if a visa is required for your trip. Find out as far in advance as possible, so you have your visa and passport on hand before you start packing. Should you find yourself in the situation where you need your passport at the last minute, don't stress it. There are services which offer expedited passports, and CruiseCrazies members get a 10% discount with expedited passport services through this link: http://www.cruisecrazies.com/member-benefits

Important: When boarding the ship at the beginning of your cruise, carry your passport in your carry-on bag.

Don't Forget

The opportunities to swim and tan by the pool are seemingly endless on a cruise. Pack at least two swimsuits, so one is always dry. Along with the swimsuits, pack shoes that won't slip on wet surfaces and at least one cover-up, so you have something to throw on when you visit a dining area or are just making your way around the ship.

Non-Clothing Items

The non-clothing items will vary based on your plans, but certain items are common. Pack sunscreen, a camera and guide books to the destinations where your cruise will stop. Other items, like a laptop, MP3 player or cell phone, are entirely a personal choice. If you decide to bring a cell phone, find out about your service provider's policy and any possible roaming charges, so you do not face unexpected costs when the bill comes in.

Preparing for your cruise ensures you'll have more flexibility on your trip. The overall atmosphere on a cruise is casual and festive, and with a little forethought, you'll be comfortable the entire time.

I’ve learned my lesson the past two summers. Despite swearing under oath that I would pack lighter, I found myself last July at the airport in Boston transferring items from my overweight carry-on to my check-in luggage due to Virgin Atlantic’s absurd weight limit for hand baggage. The summer previous, I resigned myself to tossing out an entire piece of luggage - after dividing the contents among the family’s other bags – when I couldn’t fit the darn thing in the rental car in Lisbon.

Now I am determined. This will be the summer in which I slim down my suitcase. I’ve already purchased a set of modern featherweight luggage, and have begun researching ways to pack lighter and avoid overweight bag fees for both checked and carryon luggage. Here’s what I’ve learned.

Ditch the hefty bag.

Efficient, lightweight packing begins with the right bag. Luggage makers are coming up with new lighter luggage that is not only easier on the back and shoulders when flinging it up and into the overhead bin, but supposedly durable, as well. Not to say that my checked bag won’t be mangled by an airline Olympic luggage hurler. But it should be no more prone to damage than a heavier bag.

Shoes: Fewer and lighter

Shoes are the biggest suitcase hogs and the packing item I’ve traditionally agonized over the most. Fashion, comfort and weight are a delicate balance, but given the style choices for women, I’d go out on a limb and say it’s easier for us females to lighten the load with flip-flops and flats and still retain a sense of style. Still, there are choices for guys who love their shoes. Travel outfitters, such as Magellan’s or TravelSmith offer styles built for comfort and are lightweight, as well. Personal preference and destination will dictate what footwear you pack. In my quest to keep packing simple, I have recently tried to limit myself to three pair for a 7-day vacation – an arduous task for someone who likes to be prepared with the right footwear for the appropriate moment. My three-pair limit now includes an athletic/hiking shoe, a sturdy walking sandal and a dressy pair. If I have room, I may cheat and throw in a lightweight pair of flats.

Toiletries: How much do you really need to bring?

Thanks to the TSA carry-on restrictions, travel-size shampoos, conditioners, soap and the like are abundant in the trial size rack of every discount mart and pharmacy.

The best and lightest option, of course, is to leave what you don’t need at home. Hotels and cruise ships provide at least the basics and will be glad to refill as needed.

Organization: minimize and lighten.

Mesh bags and other lightweight storage bags have replaced a previous generation of bulkier shoe bags, toiletries kits and suit bags to help compartmentalize your suitcase. Your average garden-variety Ziploc storage bag does an equally great job of keeping your things safe and wrinkle-free. Simply enclose your favorite clothing items, squeeze the air out, and you’re good to go. As an alternative to the airtight bag technique, there is the roll-up method. Roll your clothes, place them in the bag’s main compartment, remove and hang when you reach your destination. All you’ll need is a travel size bottle of Wrinkle Release to minimize any wrinkling. While we’re talking bags, save those dry cleaning bags. They will help protect and keep the hanged items wrinkle free.

Clothing and Outerwear:

When gathering or shopping for vacation clothing items, look for fabrics known for being particularly lightweight, such as silk and synthetics – nylon and polyester knits. For colder climates, warmth without weight is the key. When shopping for outwear, look for jackets in microfiber. When traveling to colder destinations, it’s tempting to bring bulky wool coats, sweaters and jackets, which are heavy and take up valuable space. Instead, think “layers”. Layering a lightweight weather-proof jacket with a sweater and knit top, etc. will give you more options, make you more comfortable, and allow clothing to do double duty.

Don’t pack the hooded sweatshirt. Wear it in transit. It will come in handy if the A/C is too high on the plane, boat or train. More importantly, you can use it as a pillow, or – this is my personal favorite - loan it to your kid who forgot her hoodie at home.

Color coordinate. Mix and match so that every item of clothing can be worn with any other in your bag. Stick with blacks, grays and neutrals. This will allow for a black top to do double duty as daywear with khaki pants and a dressy piece with a black skirt in the evening. Simply dress it up with a scarf or other accessory. Eliminate clothing pieces that can only be worn once.

Consider an E-Reader.

Depending on how many books you plan on reading at the beach, an E-reader or tablet will save you space and weight. Even better, your device can serve double duty as a place to store your e-docs and guide books, cutting down on the amount of paper you need to haul with you. For even more convenience, download handy travel apps such as maps, packing lists and city guides. Whichever electronic device you bring, don’t forget the charger!

Leave room for souvenirs.

You’re happy. Your bag is packed, you’re under the limit, and you can lift it without developing a hernia. But you’ve left no room for gifts you’ll bring home. Hopefully, you haven’t already used the expansion feature of your luggage even before your trip has begun. You’ll need it later for the return trip. As an alternative to expanding your luggage and possibly risking an overweight fee at the airport when flying home, pack a spare compact duffle or tote in your luggage to serve as a carry-on, as long as it complies with the airline’s regulations on hand luggage.

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

Marcelo Almeida doesn't typically buy travel insurance, though he practically lives on the road.

But the thought of his daughter being stranded in Chicago on Christmas Eve while flying home to Coppell, Texas, last year, led him to change his mind.

The trip went smoothly. But Almeida, a strategic account executive for a global education company, was glad for the protection — just in case.

"Insurance is one of those things that you feel neutral if you got it and didn't have to use it," Almeida says, "but regret deeply if you didn't, and needed it."

With all that can go wrong on a trip — you wake up too sick to fly or lose your passport along the Champs-Elysees — travel insurance can come in handy.

Depending on the policy, travelers can be directed to the nearest hotel when their flight is canceled, get a referral to a local attorney while overseas or be evacuated to a hospital back home if they become ill.

But whether you need insurance depends on a range of factors, from the cost of the vacation to the time of year you're taking off.

"I think it really depends on how expensive your trip is and what you can afford to lose," says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com". I'd also consider it when you know the weather's going to be bad. If you're going to Bermuda during hurricane season, after June, I'd be more likely to buy it than I would in April."

It's also worth considering if the traveler is worried about a member of their party getting sick or getting injured on a vacation that involves skiing, biking or some other sport, says Jeanne Salvatore, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, which educates the public about policies.

If such a mishap occurs, she says, "You're going to be really, really happy you have that coverage."

WHAT IS COVERED

A basic package generally covers the non-refundable costs of a trip up to the particular policy's limits, has medical coverage and offers assistance for various emergencies.

It most often kicks in for matters beyond the traveler's control: from illness, to the airline canceling a flight because of a storm, to your missing a flight because you got in an accident on the way to the airport.

"Some policies cover if you have to return to work or serve jury duty," says Linda Kundell, spokeswoman for the U.S. Travel Insurance Association.

But beware, she warns: "Travel-insurance policies will not cover reckless behavior. If you have an accident because you're drunk, chances are you won't be covered. So whoever buys the policy has to engage in reasonable behaviors."

Insurance is different from the waiver that may be offered by a cruise line, for instance, which will usually give a traveler a credit to be used for a future trip rather than a refund.

"You won't lose your money, but you're not going to be reimbursed, either," Kundell says, adding that the waiver also may have restrictions, such as a requirement that the rescheduled trip take place within a year. "Travel insurance will just reimburse you, and you don't have to sail again if you don't want to."

Waivers also may not factor in additional expenses, such as paying an extra day of parking or housing a pet, says David Anderson, director of products for Protect Your Bubble, a travel-insurance company. "All those things would be covered under a blanket policy," he says.

Travel insurance tends to average 4% to 8% of the total cost of the trip, with the price varying according to the traveler's age. For frequent flier Barry Maher, the cost is too steep.

"It's overpriced," says Maher, a business consultant and speaker, who adds that insurance companies are "betting ... that over time, you'll pay more than you're going to get."

Just last year, Maher says, he had a flight that he had to reschedule four times, ultimately costing him $600.

"People might argue I could buy a lot of travel insurance for that," he says. "But based on the number of trips I've taken, I would have paid a lot more" than $600 for insurance coverage.

Denise Gavino, meanwhile, is glad that she decided to buy travel insurance for a trip to Orlando two years ago.

"For some reason during the checkout process I agreed to purchasing it," says Gavino, a flight attendant who lives in Houston. "Wow, was I happy. The evening before the trip, my son complained about not feeling well." It turned out that he had the flu, and the trip had to be postponed.

"Delta and their insurance carrier were very helpful," she says, "and we received a full refund on our tickets."

THIRD-PARTY COVERAGE

Travelers can buy insurance from an airline or a cruise company. But Kundell says those policies may not be as comprehensive as packages purchased directly from an insurance carrier.

Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.com adds that if the cruise line or carrier went out of business, the coverage they offered would also disappear.

"It's best to get third-party insurance" from companies like Allianz Global Assistance or Travel Guard, he says. Policies can also be bought from travel agents and some resorts.

If a traveler wants to be covered no matter the circumstances, there are more expensive policies that would allow them to cancel for any reason.

The cost can be up to 40% higher than a typical policy, but if a traveler became fearful of going to their destination — not usually a valid claim on most policies — they could bow out of the trip and get their money back, Kundell says.

Whatever type of policy you buy, and wherever you buy it from, do your homework. Read the fine print and ask the provider plenty of questions about what reasons are considered acceptable for making a claim. A flight delay might have to last a certain number of hours, for instance, for a policy to kick in, Hobica says.

Buyers can find other general questions to ask by clicking onto the U.S. Travel Insurance Association's website, www.ustia.org.

Travelers also should keep records, from the hotel receipt showing where they stayed when their flight was canceled, to a note from the doctor that confirms they were too sick to travel.

"If the airline cancels a flight because of weather, the airline will provide a statement for you," Kundell says. "You do need to have proof of anything that you claim."

Salvatore of the Insurance Information Institute also recommends checking that the insurance provider is licensed in the state where the buyer lives, in case you have problems and need a place to appeal.

Source: USA Today (April 3, 2013)

Photo Credit: www.kootation.com

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

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

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There is no substitution for a good travel agent, especially if you’re thinking about booking a first cruise. Just the same, in this electronic world we live in, many travelers find it a fairly easy process to handle all the cruise arrangements on their own via the internet - whether through a web-only agent, a brick and mortar agency’s website, or directly through the cruise line’s booking engine. When making your own travel arrangements, it’s crucial to make sure every detail of the booking is understood and properly attended to, thereby avoiding costly errors and assuring smooth sailing.

Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when booking a cruise:

1) Booking a cabin just because it’s the cheapest.

That $199 Category 1A cabin deal on Carnival may seem sweet, but you could very well find yourself squeezed into a corner hole in the wall - in a bunk bed. Know the accommodations you’re getting when you book.

2) Misunderstanding the definition of an “obstructed” cabin.

No, an obstructed cabin does not mean you must leap over a wall to reach it. It means that the cabin has a window, but your view will be hindered by something outside on deck – a lifeboat, for instance. Some obstructions are just partial – lifeboat on the bottom half of your window, with the sky above. Still others are hardly obstructions at all – a cabin located between two lifeboats, for instance. It pays to consult the deck plan for your ship to see just what kind of view you will – or won’t – have.

3) Booking a “guaranty” cabin without a clue as to what it means.

You go on line to book an advertised promo for a balcony cabin in a particular category. All that is available, however, is a “guaranty”. This means that you cannot select a cabin at the time of booking. Rather, one will be selected for you by the cruise line, guaranteed to be in that category or higher. If this is the case, you must be content with the fact that (a) the cruise line will assign the cabin when it’s good and ready, up to the date of sailing, and (b) your cabin could be located anywhere on the ship. In other words, if there is a particular location on the ship where you don’t want to be, then don’t book a guaranty.

4) Incorrectly entering names and dates of birth.

When entering your names during the on-line booking process, be absolutely certain that the passengers’ names are spelled correctly and are an exact match to the names on your government issued photo ID or passport. Otherwise, you risk being denied boarding of the flight, the cruise or both. Be certain that the dates of birth and gender are correct for each passenger.

5) Paying the cruise deposit without realizing it’s non-refundable. Cruise lines and agents more and more frequently are presenting temping offers of discounts, onboard credits and other perks – with one caveat: a non-refundable deposit. Be certain you are clear on this when booking a special promotion.

6) Not carefully proofing the cruise booking confirmation.

Once you have completed your booking details and paid your deposit, the agency or cruise line will email a confirmation of your booking. Carefully proof this for errors as soon as it is received. If you discover any errors, contact the agency right away to make the necessary corrections.

7) Neglecting to pay the final balance by the due date.

When failing to pay off your cruise by the due date, you risk automatic cancellation. Don’t rely on notifications from the agent. Keep a calendar or send yourself a reminder to make that final payment when due. Be certain you receive a written confirmation showing a zero balance. It’s also a good idea to log on to your cruise account. Seeing your cruise displayed on the cruise line’s web page is reassurance that your good to go.

8) Paying little attention to the cruise line’s cancellation policy.

Be aware that once your booking has reached the final payment date, it goes into the “penalty phase”, and is then subject to cancellation fees, typically beginning with the amount of your deposit from 75 days out to your entire fare within 14 days of sailing. Although not mandatory, this is where travel insurance would be a great thing to have in the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your cruise due to family illness, injury or other covered reason.

9) Paying no attention to the agency’s cancellation policy.

Be aware that some travel agents – online and brick & mortar alike - charge cancellation or change fees. Make certain that you know the agent’s policy on cancellations before booking. Or try another agent. Many do not charge cancellation fees at all.

10) Booking flights too late to the ship or too early for the trip home.

Cruise lines will typically post the latest flight time for your travel to the ship and the earliest flight time to schedule for the trip home. Pay careful attention to these times, because it would be a sad day if you missed your ship because you flew too late in the day to meet your ship on time. An even better idea would be to fly to your city of embarkation the day before your cruise. You will arrive relaxed and you’ll be all rested up and ready to cruise the next morning.

By: Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

If you are taking a 7-day cruise or longer and flying to your port of embarkation with only carry-on baggage to circumvent absurd baggage fees, please come back and tell us your secret. But if you are like the rest of us, however, then you will most likely need to check at least a piece of luggage. With baggage delays, lost or damaged bags and occasional sticky fingers of TSA or airline personnel, you’ll want to carefully consider how you will pack. In no particular order, following is a list of what you should not stow in your checked luggage. The list may seem like a no-brainer to experienced travelers, but young people who may be traveling on their own for the first time will find it helpful.

Identification, passports, boarding passes, and essential documents.

All necessary documentation should be kept with you in your carry-on bag. In addition to the originals, save copies to a flash drive and/or PDA for back up, and leave copies with a trusted person at home.

Cash, debit and credit cards.

Luggage sometimes gets lost, delayed or damaged in transit and while it’s rare, theft by dishonest TSA workers inspecting checked bags unfortunately does happen. Your cash, checkbook, and credit cards should always be kept with you in your carry-on bag.

Laptop, tablets, E-readers and cameras.

Two things can happen if electronics are packed in your checked bags: Theft or damage. No matter how many beach towels or bubble wrap you’ve wrapped around your laptop, it's still at the mercy of baggage handlers and bumpy flights while in transit.

Prescription Medications

Let’s face it. If a doctor has prescribed it, then you must need it. Don’t risk your health by losing it in checked luggage. Passengers are permitted to bring liquid medications onto planes, even if they exceed the 4-ounce limit for carry-on liquids. But you'll need to officially declare your oversized liquid medications when going through the checkpoint. Tell a security officer stationed at the checkpoint that you're carrying liquid medications, and hand them over for inspection. It helps to have a doctor's note or a medical ID card, but it's not required. The TSA also suggests that travelers label medications to facilitate the screening process.

Jewelry and valuables

Simply stated, it’s best to leave jewelry and other valuables at home while traveling. However, if you must bring them, store them safely in your carry-on luggage. If your checked luggage happens to contain a rare antique watch, a family heirloom, or your wedding ring, you could be in for trouble should your bags be lost or rummaged through. Most carriers require passengers to submit claim forms when bags are lost. Your airline will then tally the depreciated value of the contents of your missing suitcase—if your claim is accepted, that is. Airlines will pay no more than $3,300 per passenger for bags lost on domestic flights. All in all, it's unlikely that you'll receive compensation equal to the full value of your lost possessions.

Your entire wardrobe

A complete extra change of clothes in your carry-on is ideal, but at the minimum pack a change of undies, a clean shirt, deodorant and a toothbrush. Particularly, if you are on a cruise, a swimsuit will be handy, too, in case your luggage doesn’t find its timely way to your cabin. At least you can cool both yourself and your temper by taking a refreshing dip.

Lighters, matches, and flammable items

The TSA has a handy checklist of prohibited items on its website. Some of the objects on the list are obvious: gun powder, hand grenades and tear gas, for example. Other items of note, however, include lighters, matches, and flammable objects, which anyone going on a camping trip (or travelers who smoke) might need to pack. Lighters without fuel may be packed in checked luggage. Lighters with fuel, though, may only be packed in checked luggage if they're in a DOT-approved case. Matches are prohibited in checked baggage.

Breakable items

Don't blame it all on the baggage handlers – they’re just doing their job. You’ll need to do your part, as well – keep breakables out of your checked bag and carry them on board. If you must bring home that precious bottle of red, use protective packing material designed for protecting the contents of your bag in case the bottle should break.

Film

If you missed the digital train and are still cruising on film, you’ll need to pack it in your carry-on. The X-ray machines that the TSA uses to screen checked bags can damage film. Instead, put your film in your carry-on bag and ask the TSA agent at the security checkpoint to inspect your film by hand. The TSA suggests that travelers pack film in clear canisters or clear plastic bags to expedite the inspection process.

Food and Drink

According to the TSA, flyers should avoid putting food and beverages in checked bags. Passengers aren't prohibited from storing food items in checked bags, but it's a wise suggestion nevertheless. Perishable food is likely to spoil if luggage is lost or delayed, and bottled drinks could potentially explode or crack in transit, thus ruining the fancy formal clothes you brought for dress-up night. If you're traveling internationally, you may be prohibited from bringing food to your destination. Each country has its own rules about what kinds of foods can be brought across borders. Also keep in mind your cruise line’s policy about bringing alcohol on board the ship. Forbidden booze could not only break but, if discovered, will get you sent to the mysterious “naughty room” at the cruise terminal.

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

IStock Photo 9555506 © Arman Zhenikeyev

You’ve been hard at work researching cruise vacations and finally found the one of your dreams. Have you thought about how you will get to the ship? If the port is in driving distance, outstanding! You’ve just saved yourself some time, money and aggravation. However, if you need to fly to port, this should be a priority in your planning process, especially if you are considering booking the least expensive, non-refundable air you can find, because once you lock it in, it’ll cost you if you want to change that flight.

Should you fly the same day of your cruise, or should you fly in the day before?

Let’s look at the benefits to flying the day of your cruise departure:

• Save money – no hotel needed.
  
• Keep it simple. Fly, arrive at your destination, collect your luggage, grab a taxi (or the ship’s transfer), and off you go to your awaiting ship. But wait …
  

Even the best-laid flight plans can go amiss, leading to delays, missed connections, and possibly bidding a fond fare-thee-well to your ship as it sails away – not a good way to start a vacation. As most seasoned cruisers will point out, flying in a day or two in advance is the only way to even consider reaching your port of embarkation. As you can see, the benefits are many:

• Stress-free travel
  
• Allows for a wide variety of available flight options
  
• Spend a fun “night on the town” or simply relax at your hotel
  
• Awake on the day of departure rested and worry-free
  
• You’ll arrive to your ship relaxed and ready to sail
  
• Gives you an opportunity to explore your city of embarkation
  
• Allows for a mini-land vacation before the cruise vacation
  

However, some travelers simply don’t have the time or money to fly in days before a cruise. Perhaps work or family obligations simply don’t allow for the luxury of a pre-cruise holiday, thereby necessitating a same-day flight to the ship. If this is the case, several steps can be taken to minimize delays and increase the odds of getting to the ship on time.

• Take the first flight out of the day. The earlier you fly, the more time you will have to play with should your plane be delayed or canceled.
  
• Allow ample time between landing and the ship’s departure – five hours or more – to allow for weather-related or any other type of delays, as well as traffic once you’re on the ground.
  
• Fly non-stop! Layovers increase the chance of delays and missed connections.
  
• Take an overnight flight. You’ll arrive to port in the early morning hours, before later flights have had a chance to become backed up.
  
• Book the cruise line air/transfer package. There's no guaranty you'll reach the ship in time, but the cruise line may offer assistance.
  
• Pack light … carry-on only. I know, it’s difficult, but not altogether impossible, especially if the cruise is 7 days or less. I once met a couple getting married on the ship, arriving on board with only a carry on between the two of them – including the bride’s dress on a hanger. As frequent travelers, they had carry-on travel down to a science.
  
• Check-in on line in advance of your flight – especially if you’re not checking any luggage – anything to reduce time spent at the airport.
  
• Be sure to follow all the rules for security regarding shoes, liquids, laptops, jewelry, etc. You don’t want to be delayed one second longer than necessary.
  
• Be sure the cruise line has your flight itinerary in their system (usually required when registering and completing the immigration information in advance on your cruise line’s website), and be sure you have the ship’s contact information. If it looks like you’re not going to make it on time, at least they will have a record of you travel plans. Although it’s unlikely they will hold the ship for you, they may be able to instruct you further on how and where to meet your ship on the itinerary.
  

If your cruise involves an international flight, don’t even ponder the question. At the very least, always fly in a day before your ship departs in a foreign country.

Who doesn’t have a smartphone or tablet these days? While you may still encounter folks with a simple flip phone - or (gasp!) no cell phone at all - more and more people own a smartphone, a tablet, or both. With all the unlimited data and talk plans and free WiFi hotspots now at our disposal, we scarcely think about the time we spend conversing, downloading and web browsing these days. It has become second nature to turn to our electronic devices for both business and pleasure - to call, text, message, share, blog, tweet, snap and upload photos, watch videos, browse the web without even blinking.

Try all this on a cruise ship at sea, and you’ll be in for a severe case of “cell shock” when your next phone bill arrives. Charges for call roaming, data roaming, streaming music and videos or downloading an app can rise into the stratosphere. Traveling with digital devices requires special close attention, and this is especially true on a cruise ship.

Wouldn’t it be great to escape totally unplugged – to leave all the gadgets behind and disconnect from work, social and family obligations for just a short time and truly relax! Difficult but not impossible. However, if the thought of traveling incommunicado brings on a severe panic attack, don’t despair. There are ways you can minimize your phone and data expense when you travel.

The following are generic suggestions that may or may not apply to your phone or tablet. Before traveling, always check with your service provider before making any modifications to your device or service.

Sign up with your carrier’s international roaming voice and data plan. Before leaving home, check with your provider for their cruise ship terms and ask about discounted international voice and data plans. Note, however, that the discounted international plans don’t apply while on a cruise ship at sea. The cruise ship network is turned on once the ship is at sea and doesn’t turn off until the ship is close to land. When calling from your phone at sea, or whenever the display reads “Cellular at Sea”, pricier per-minute roaming rates will apply.

Set to WiFi Mode. This applies not only to travel, but also for everyday use. When in WiFi mode, your phone will automatically default to and pick up any available wireless signal. If no signal is found, or when WiFi is turned off, your cellular service kicks in, eating up your precious data allowance, and possibly leading to overage charges, depending on the type of data plan you have.

Set to Airplane Mode and just use your device as a PDA. This will turn off all your wireless services, preventing you from making calls or downloading data, while still allowing use of the camera, music player, video player and E-book reader to your heart’s content without getting charged.

Set to Phone Mode. Turn data services off and leave voice services on. You can make calls and send texts without incurring data roaming charges in this mode. Cellular at Sea and voice roaming charges still apply onboard ship. On shore, voice roaming charges will still apply.

Set Your Phone to Safe Mode. What’s that, you ask. Turn the phone off and lock it in the cabin safe - or “safe” mode. Disconnect and truly relax on your cruise!

Do you qualify for free or discounted minutes? If you are a member of a cruise line’s frequent cruiser program, you may be entitled to free or discounted data minutes. If not, data packages are available at a discount off the per-minute rate, and sometimes even further discounted if you purchase in advance of your cruise.

Connect to the internet only when necessary. Compose your email offline, and then only go online long enough to post.

Use the onboard internet at off-peak hours. The connection will be faster in the middle of the night than midday.

Use an internet café in port. If it can wait, hold off sending your email until you can find a WiFi connection in town.

Uncheck Data Roaming. With “data roaming” unchecked in your phone’s preferences, you’ll never incur a data roaming charge.

Turn off Location Services. This will prevent some apps from constantly trying to update your location.

Uncheck Data Synchronization. Data synchronization consumes bandwidth in keeping your accounts up to date.

Turn off Data Push. Some email accounts, like Gmail, push the data to your smartphone. This will incur data charges even if you don’t open the emails.

Your smartphone can be a great tool for staying in touch. After all, your smartphone is - well - “smart”. So should you be!

By Janice Neves ~ CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

No doubt you have heard of her – the “Upgrade Fairy”. With no particular rhyme or reason, she flitters about waving her wand, granting stateroom upgrades to the fortunate. Some people spend their whole cruising lives wishing for an upgrade and never get one. Others book their first and only cruise and get lucky. Where, when and upon whom the upgrade fairy will sprinkle her magic dust is a mystery.

While a move up is really grand, it’s a myth that the upgraded cabin will always be better than the one you paid for. In all actuality, the difference between some cabin categories is so insignificant that all an upgrade may mean is that you went from one cabin to an identical cabin on a different deck – and may even be in an undesirable location.

Is there a way to increase your chance of scoring a complimentary upgrade? Sure. Hope, pray and wish for luck. With that said, however, you may have an edge if you’re a loyalty client, sail during seasons of low demand, book a guarantee cabin, or reserve early. Most likely, though, it’s purely luck of the draw, and as far as that goes, you stand a better chance of winning the lottery. Will it help if you or your agent were to ask the cruise line directly? It certainly couldn’t hurt, but don’t get your hopes up.

If the upgrade fairy passes you by, don’t despair. There are other ways of possibly landing a better cabin.

Guaranteed Cabins. A guaranteed booking is a reservation whereby you pay for a cabin in a particular category and the cabin then assigned by the cruise line. Sometimes, but not always, the cruise line may assign you an upgraded cabin. Unfortunately some misguided travel agents tell their clients with high certainty that they will be upgraded by booking a guarantee. If they do, find another agent. The only thing that is guaranteed is a cabin in at least the category you booked, and if you are lucky, maybe you’ll find yourself in a higher one.

Promotional Upgrades. With this type of upgrade, the cruise line is offering a promotion booking you into a cabin at the same price as a category or two below it. These are big selling tools for cruise lines and agents alike. Usually, this type of upgrade means a move from the cabins located very forward or very aft to a cabin closer to mid-ship. Sometimes it may mean a move from mid-ship on a low deck to a forward cabin on a higher deck. A deck plan will help in determining if it’s a good upgrade.

Paid Upgrades. When a ship isn’t selling quite as well as hoped, the cruise line will offer existing customers an upgrade for a fee. Paid upgrades are also routinely offered at the time of initial booking. Whether offered now or later, these can sometimes be good deals, and other times not so much. Again, it’s important to have a deck plan handy to compare the upgraded cabin and its location with the one you already have to determine whether it’s worth the price they’re asking.

Don’t like surprises? Book the best cabin you can afford. Don’t risk ruining your vacation by buying an inexpensive cabin and hoping for an upgrade. Book the cabin you would like to have, and if you get upgraded, you are that much ahead. If you don't, you'll still be comfortable.

Like that cabin you hand-picked? Ask to have it marked “no upgrade”. If you don’t, you may lose it.

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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

There is much more to picking a cruise than simply choosing the one with the lowest price tag or the best deal. With a daunting number of cruise ships and itineraries available, it takes a little bit of legwork to sort through the myriad of options. Cruise lines come in the small, compact variety with just a few hundred passengers, ranging to the gargantuan 5,000 passenger super mega liners. Here is a foolproof way to find the cruise that's right for you.

Research, Research, Research!

Your friends and neighbors no doubt have related their fabulous cruise vacation experiences. However, it’s important to realize that what was great for them may not work as well for you. A web search of cruise material will lead you to a cyberspace explosion of information relating to cruise vacations. In fact, it can be an overwhelming chore, especially as a first-time cruiser, sorting through a plethora of ship reviews, advice and facts, leaving you dazed and confused.

A better place to begin is the bookstore or your local library. Pick up a good cruise guide – either the old-fashioned paper variety or the electronic reader kind. If you know where you want to go on your cruise, even better. Look for a cruise guide specific to your dream destination. Study up on the cruise lines, the ships, and all the other fine points that make up a cruise vacation.

This is also where a good travel agent comes in handy – one that specializes in cruises. However, before seeking out an agent, ask yourself a few questions about what you are looking for in a cruise. It will make your agent’s task of finding a cruise suited for you so much easier.

Destination

Where do you want your ship to take you? Are you a tropical/beach kind of person? Then take a look at the Caribbean. Would you prefer a cooler climate with wildlife and nature? Alaska is the place. Do you desire to be surrounded by ancient ruins and history? Perhaps Europe or Mayan ruins in the Yucatan will fill the need. Perhaps it’s as simple as a place high on your bucket list. Decide what’s most important and create a plan to get there.

Embarkation Ports

This may not seem like a deciding factor on which cruise to choose, but there are people in the world who simply prefer not to fly to meet their ship. If this describes you, then you would require a port within a reasonable drive. This will limit your destination choices to whatever cruises are available from your port. If, on the other hand, there are no obstacles between you and the ship, then the sky’s the limit – within your budget, of course.

Budget

Once you have chosen your destination, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself – how much can I afford? Time of year and length of your cruise are important factors to consider. Obviously, the longer the cruise, the pricier it becomes. If you are flying to your ship, you will need to factor in airfare. If you are planning on spending a day in the port city before or after your cruise, you’ll need a hotel, or a pre-booked hotel/air/transfer package with your cruise line. You will also need to include in your budget an average of $12/per day, per person in gratuities. Also consider the cost of travel insurance. While some people consider trip insurance to be an option, I consider it a necessity and always factor it into the basic cruise expenses. Everything over and above these basic charges will be optional “extras”, i.e. shore excursions, spa appointments, specialty restaurants (alternatives to the standard dining included with your fare), alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and onboard internet service, just to name a few. These options can really add up, so become familiar with them and choose which ones you can do without.

When to Go

If budget is a huge factor in your choice of vacation, be forewarned that the most expensive time to cruise most anywhere is during spring and winter school/college breaks, the weeks encompassing Christmas and New Year’s, and the mid-summer months of July and August. Since kids and families are in abundance during these periods, consider an alternate time of year to cruise – unless you’re like me and can only cruise when the kids and teachers cruise.

Alternatively, you can save money by cruising during a destination’s “shoulder months” or off-season period. Alaska, for example, is warmer, more popular - and most expensive - in August. Cruise the “Last American Frontier” in May or October, and you’re likely to save a bundle. Just be sure to bring your warm layers!

Likewise, Caribbean cruises come with huge discounts during Atlantic hurricane season – September and October. You risk the possibility of a change in your itinerary or disruption in your travel, but it’s a risk many are willing to take to save money.

Ports vs. Sea Days

Itineraries are as important as the ship when choosing a cruise. Do you prefer relaxing days at sea, or is your primary goal to see as many sites as possible in your destination? A 7-day itinerary featuring every day in a new port is not going to feel as relaxing as a similar itinerary with two or three days at sea to break up the hectic pace. Decide which is more important – the destination or the ship – or a combination of both.

Your Personality

Although cruise lines at a glance can appear similar, they each have their own style. To further add to the confusion, each line has ships in varying shapes and sizes. Carnival caters to the budget-conscious, fun-loving crowd. Royal Caribbean attracts families and kids with its onboard action-packed activity. Celebrity and Princess cater to passengers with more refined tastes, while Holland America attracts a 50-plus crowd, who prefer HAL’s mid-size ships.

Are you bringing the kids?

Consider a mega-liner with a good kids’ program and plenty of onboard activity to keep them happy. They will most likely be bored out of their skulls on, say, Holland America.

Do you dislike noise, crowds and long lines?

If so, then go for the small ship experience. For example, while the mega ships carry upwards of 5,000 passengers, the small ships of Princess hold an intimate 680. In addition to a quieter cruise experience, it will take less effort to get from “here” to “there” on a small to mid-size ship – a big plus for the elderly, disabled or just plain inactive. Finally, do you know the best part about a small ship? It’s the feeling of being on a cruise ship – and not a huge floating city. Keep in mind, though - the smaller the ship, the fewer venues and entertainment options available on board.

How important is nightly entertainment to you?

The quality of shows and musical performances varies from ship to ship. Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Disney receive the highest grades for high caliber entertainment, with well-known names and Broadway-style shows. Again, the bigger the ship, the bigger the entertainment, especially within the three lines I mention.

Are you a foodie?

Like entertainment, food can vary across cruise lines, ranging from fabulous dining cuisine to mediocre buffets. In my experience, with the large number of dining choices on ships today, I’ve never had trouble in finding something pleasing to both my palate and appetite. With that said, premium lines get the highest marks for food quality and presentation. Oceania, Cunard and Crystal, for example, have been known to bring in big-name chefs. Even across the mainstream lines, the newest and larger ships are introducing new, high-quality eateries, albeit with an added surcharge.

Do you like to dress up?

Then you will likely feel significantly out of place on Norwegian Cruise Lines, where “freestyle” cruising and informality are the norm. However, you will still have plenty of dressed-up company on at least two “formal” nights of the week on most other cruise lines. As for the rest of the nights, “dressy-casual” is still the code, the meaning of which varies widely among passengers.

Do you like the traditional way of cruise ship dining – i.e. same time, same table and same dining companions each evening? This concept has not been totally lost in the trend to casual. While “any time” dining has become more popular over recent years, with passengers preferring to eat wherever and whenever the mood strikes, most cruise lines have retained the traditional option for those who prefer it – and there are a great deal that do.

Are you prone to seasickness?

These days, ships are so well stabilized, and in some cases so big, that you don’t even realize you are on the ocean. To improve your chances of a smooth sailing, choose a large ship and a cabin positioned low and center. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared with your favorite motion sickness remedy just the same.

Congratulations – you’re now ready to book your cruise!

Armed with your newfound knowledge, and now knowing what you want in a cruise, you are ready to make an informed decision, knowing that you will book the best cruise with YOU in mind!

By Jan Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

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