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Jan115

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  1. Jan115
    Before embarking on your next land or sea vacation, load a weather app to your smartphone or favorite electronic device. Set the app's preferences for each place you're visiting on your itinerary, whip out your smartphone and have a day, weekend or week's worth of weather forecasts at your fingertips. There are several good apps for weather, but my favorite two are "Yahoo Weather" and "Weather Bug". Well organized, pretty to look at, and very functional, these handy tools will assist you in packing, dressing and otherwise preparing for whatever Mother Nature has in store while on your trip.
    Photo credit: Yahoo Weather
  2. Jan115
    “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelo
  3. Jan115
    Your cruise ship will be visiting some exciting destinations, and it would be a terrible waste if you didn’t experience at least one of the best features about the island or city you’re docked at for a day or a few hours.
    I’ve talked to some cruisers who just prefer to “wing it” – disembark and just stroll around, hit the most popular beach or visit the local watering hole. Don’t get me wrong – sometimes it’s a good thing to take a chance and learn by accident. Still, it’s a great idea to learn the basics of the place you’ll get a glimpse of – the history, culture and the 5 best things to see. An organized tour – whether a ship excursion or local taxi guide – can be the best way to experience a place in the short amount of time allowed in a port of call, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.
    Perhaps the biggest reason for port research is learning about the transportation logistics. Some ports require a 1 or 2-hour drive to the nearest landmark, and you will want to get the lay of the land and learn how you’ll get from point A to point B. Figuring this out in advance of your trip will avoid loss of precious time seeing all you want to see.
    Sometimes, just a simple walk through a village or town not frequented by tourists will be all you need a get a feel for the local culture and customs.
    Either way, armed with knowledge of your port city, you’ll be an informed traveler and won’t have regrets later.
  4. Jan115
    You’ll find that when you are about to reserve and make a deposit on your cruise, you will have the option of purchasing a round-trip air add-on from the cruise line. While an air/sea package might avoid the hassle of finding and booking your own air ticket, be aware of the pros and cons of these convenient add-ons.
    Pros:
    If you purchase the air/sea package, most likely your transfers between the airport and the ship will be included in the price.
    It’s the ultimate convenience. The cruise line will claim your luggage for you and carry it to the ship, and all you'll have to do is board the bus.
    If your flight is delayed, the cruise line will be aware of your delay and may be able to hold the ship for a few hours. If not, they will make every effort to get you to the first port to board the ship (not necessarily at the cruise line’s expense, however).
    Cons:
    While cruise air booking has improved in recent years with added ability to choose your own flights (though somewhat limited in airline and connections), some lines (Carnival and Norwegian, for instance) remain steadfast in choosing your flights for you and only making you aware of them just weeks before you cruise.
    Generally speaking, cruise/air tickets are consolidated – or bulk - tickets, purchased by the cruise lines months in advance, and carry strict rules different from published rates. Most likely, everything will go smoothly with your flight, but in the event your flights are delayed or canceled, re-ticketing or rescheduling may not result in the flights you desire.
    Arranging your own flights:
    If you decide to purchase your own tickets, you might be able to find a better deal, flying nonstop with an airline you prefer while earning frequent flyer miles. For instance, Southwest has awesome deals (and bags fly free!), and can only be booked through the airline directly.
    Enlist the help of a travel agent, especially if you booked your cruise through one. They may be able to find the exact flight you’re looking for at a great price. An agent can be particularly helpful with complicate itineraries, using some creative ways to get you from Point A to Point B that you would not have thought of yourself.
    Keep in mind the time of your ship’s departure. You’ll want to be on the first flight out of your home city, and preferably non-stop, to avoid any delay in getting to the ship. If at all possible, fly in at least a day before your cruise to allow for delays, mechanical failures or flight cancellations.
    Also remember that will have to find your own transportation to the cruise terminal and claim your luggage and carry it with you. For convenience, however, cruise lines offer cruise/air transfers for independent flyers. In some cases, depending on the distance from airport to cruise ship, cruise ship transfers are worth it. If, however, you’re flying to Miami for a cruise from the same city, a taxi is quick and cheap.
  5. Jan115
    "Traveling is the ruin of all happiness! There’s no looking at a building after seeing Italy." ~ Fanny Burney
    I felt the same way when I visited Europe - not just Rome, but Lisbon, Athens and Istanbul. Every other building pales in comparison.
    Photo © J. Neves
  6. Jan115
    Another year has gone and it's time, once again, to lay out my annual Top 10 travel experiences of the year. Since the big summer trip for my husband and I this year was a Mediterranean cruise, many of the following favorites are destinations resulting from that 11-night sailing. Here are my top 10 favorites for 2014:
    #10) Flying First Class. On a selfish whim, I decided to splurge and upgrade our usual economy seats on Aer Lingus between Boston and Rome. Aer Lingus has a bidding system for first class upgrades, and since I find enormous pleasure in bidding for a good deal (Ebay, Priceline and so on), I thought, what the heck. We was paying a ridiculous amount for tiny seats with no leg room - why not pay a little more for a little luxury. Well, when all was said and done, it was an obscene amount we shelled out for a first-class upgrade. Was it worth it? In retrospect, probably not. At the time, however, when we were drinking free wine from real glasses, dining on “gourmet” airline food with real napkins, china and linen napkins, enjoying copious amounts of leg room and reclining all the way flat for sleeping, we said “Hell, yeah, this is TOTALLY worth it!”
    #9) Weekend Cruise aboard Disney Magic. A 3-night Martin Luther King Weekend cruise on a Disney cruise ship proved to me why Disney is a cut above the rest in terms of family cruising. From a “welcome aboard” fit for a queen to nighttime fireworks off the deck, the experience was truly magical - for young and old alike.
    #8) 9/11 Memorial: On a beautiful spring day, we rode Amtrak to New York City to spend a couple of nights seeing the sites. Though we have been to NYC numerous times before, one must-see on our list this time around was the 9/11 Memorial at the site of the newly designed World Trade Center. We paid our respects and reflected on the names etched in stone and the great human loss of that day in 2001. I commend those who created the concept and design for this solemn place with the reflecting pools and new “Freedom Tower” as a backdrop, for it was a peaceful and moving experience.
    #7) Wellfleet, Mass. This quaint, picturesque town along a stretch of Outer Cape Cod has been a favorite family summer getaway over the last 30 years. This year was extra special because we introduced our 1-year-old grandson to the wonders of bayside cottage life, as well as my brother and his wife. Spread out between two twin adorable bayside cottages, we enjoyed some precious family time among the dunes. It was so much fun, we’ve booked the same for summer 2015.
    #6) Amalfi Coast, Italy. We joined six other people from our cruise ship for a private excursion through the hills and winding roads along this beautiful stretch of coastline on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula. We stopped at picturesque, artsy towns along the way - Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, and though we would have liked more time in just one town instead of only a brief time in three, we experienced some of the most amazing scenery of our port stops on the cruise. Ravello was an especially enjoyable respite from the crowds, as the big tour busses don’t include it on their itinerary. We’ve made a mental note to explore Ravello further the next time we return to Italy.
    #5) Hotel Albergo Del Senato, Rome: Hotels don't usually make my top 10 list, but this charming hotel is the exception. With a killer view overlooking the Pantheon and Piazza Della Rotonda, we could simply slide open the shutters, open the big windows, and take in the beauty and character of Rome before ever leaving our room. Our own Roman Holiday!
    #4) Santorini, Greece - A cruise excursion brought us by boat to an awaiting motorcoach for a ride to the beautiful village of Oia, the most beautiful and picturesque place in Santorini. Located on top of a massive cliff, visitors experience charming houses in narrow streets, blue-domed churches and a spectacular ocean view. With limited time in town, we immediately found ourselves at a seaside cafe and a table with an incredible view. Notably, Oia is also famous for the most fabulous sunsets. Timing from our cruise ship did not allow us to view the sunset from the island, but we enjoyed a gorgeous Santorini sunset from our cruise ship.
    #3) Ephesus, Turkey. I won't lie ... it was as hot as the guidebooks said it would be when we visited in August. Fortunately, we hired a private guide who picked us up at the cruise port in a large minivan and delivered us to the ruins of this ancient city in air conditioned comfort. Armed with bottles of water and umbrellas for shade, we made our way through the stone covered streets and barren landscape imagining what life was like in those times. We were introduced to the magnificent Library of Celcus, an ancient brothel, some very interesting public toilets, the theatre where St. Paul preached, and other age-old structural remains.
    #2) The Colosseum. To see the Hollywood version with Russell Crowe is indeed entertaining, but to see this enormous ancient amphitheater in person is simply spectacular. With a tour guide and small group, we were able to get a good history, think about the labor it took to build such a place, and close our eyes and imagine gladiator combat, wild animal fights, and the roar of the blood-thirsty crowd. In the movie, gladiator Maximus boldly shouts to the crowd, “are you not entertained?” We were indeed.
    #1) Sistine Chapel/Vatican Museums: No visit to Rome is complete, of course, without a tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. To be in the presence of such famous frescos, tapestry and sculpture was humbling and made even more special with an early morning private tour of the Sistine Chapel before opening to the public. With a small group of 6 others and very few people in the Chapel, we could fully appreciate the magnificence of Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in this incredible place without the massive crowds that would appear later.
  7. Jan115
    If you’re skeptical about a postcard you received in the mail or phone call offering a free cruise or vacation, you have every right to be. While some are legitimate, many are not. At the very least, they will ask you to attend a high-pressure sales pitch for a product or ask for a substantial sum of money up front, presumably for taxes, fees, service charges or other hidden charges.
    A little detective work will usually let you know whether the travel provider is legitimate. Start by reading the fine print. Are there black-out dates or restrictions? Are there extra charges and fees involved? Check to see if the company is listed with the Better Business Bureau or perform a “Google” search to find out if there have been any complaints. Sites such as “rip-off report dot com” or “complaintsboard dot com” are good places to start.
    Never give out any private information or credit card details unless you initiate the transaction or you’re confident that the promotion is for real. If you decide to pay in advance for a trip, be sure you know what you are paying for and what happens if you change your mind – will you get your money back. If they can’t give you the details in writing before money is exchanged, then walk away.
    Everyone wants a free cruise or vacation, and the best offers are those in which you make the reservation yourself and not through a shady third party. For instance, casinos are famous for rewarding their high rollers with free cruises. The customer receives a voucher with instructions for making the reservation directly with the cruise line. It’s a very easy and uncomplicated process. The cruise line sends you a written confirmation, and you know exactly what transacted.
    If you decide to take advantage of one of the postcard promotions, however, always pay with a major credit card allowing you some protection in case things go very wrong. In buying into one of these travel schemes, just be forewarned that you could end up paying much more for that “free” cruise than if you had booked with a respectable travel agent.
    Photo credit: the lake news dot com

  9. Jan115
    One of the great benefits of my husband’s recent retirement is his enthusiasm about making me a homemade lunch each day, lovingly packed into my L.L. Bean lunch bag and accompanied by a yellow note containing a game, puzzle, quiz or some other “assignment” to pass away the lunch hour. Today’s note contained blank lines numbered 1 through 12, headed by the title, “Name the 12 Days of Christmas.” I am nobody’s poet and not the most creative girl in the world, but I decided to give it a shot with my own twisted lyrics, sung to the famous classic tune, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”  Please be kind ...

    Ready, let's sing ...
    On the FIRST day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  A cruise on a tropical sea. On the SECOND day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the THIRD day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Three shore excursions, Two credit cards, and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the FOURTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the FIFTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Five pairs of shoes  — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the SIXTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Six sexy swimsuits — Five pairs of shoes — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the SEVENTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Seven travel buddies, Six sexy swimsuits — Five pairs of shoes — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the EIGHTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Eight airline tickets,  Seven travel buddies, Six sexy swimsuits — Five pairs of shoes — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the NINTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Nine frozen mudslides,  Eight airline tickets, Seven travel buddies, Six sexy swimsuits - Five pairs of shoes — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the TENTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Ten trashy novels, Nine frozen mudslides, Eight airline tickets, Seven travel buddies, Six sexy swimsuits — Five pairs of shoes — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Eleven margaritas, Ten trashy novels, Nine frozen mudslides, Eight airline tickets, Seven travel buddies, Six sexy swimsuits — Five pairs of shoes — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea. On the TWELFTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:  Twelve tubes of sunscreen, Eleven margaritas, Ten trashy novels, Nine frozen mudslides, Eight airline tickets, Seven travel buddies, Six sexy swimsuits — Five pairs of shoes — Four bingo cards, Three shore excursions, Two credit cards and A cruise on a tropical sea!
    Happy Holidays!

  10. Jan115
    The cruise and travel news isn't pretty. Coronavirus has wreaked havoc on our vacations - yours and mine. The news isn't all bad, though. Cruising is a no-go at the moment, but if you don't mind a few precautions including 72-hour pre-testing, there are currently several destinations that are open to Americans needing a land-bound escape - and don't we all! In fact, an escape to an island in the tropics would look really good right about now. Most of the Caribbean Islands are welcoming flight-bound Americans, including Aruba, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten and the U.S. Virgin Islands. So are the Mexican states of Quintana Roo, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.
    But what if you're a cruise fanatic? You're no doubt having cruise withdrawal symptoms and feeling a little depressed. There hasn't been ship at sea in nearly six months (unless you're an unlucky crew member still trying to get home). Ocean journeys are now off limits until at least the end of November, with Princess Cruises cancelling all their sailings through mid-December. The exception to this new policy are some smaller-ship adventure cruise lines exempt from CDC/CLIA suspension policies, but even these have had rebounds, with Hurtigruten, Aida and UnCruise returning to port with new positive cases of Covid-19 shortly after re-starting operations. With U.S. states experiencing spikes in cases and a backlash of folks rebelling against mask-wearing and social distancing, I wonder how long it will really be before ships can safely take to the open water again.
    But what kind of cruise specialist would I be if I didn't live by example. Do I feel comfortable cruising for the remainder of 2020? No. Do I even believe there will be any cruising before the end of this year? I think not. That has not stopped me, though, from looking ahead to 2021 and 2022. I choose to think optimistically, and despite what the CDC and the average non-cruising Joe public thinks of cruising ("a floating Petri dish") and bad publicity in general, I choose to remain optimistic that cruising will come back from these dismal times. It will look much different when it does. New health and safety precautions and policies will be in place, and some risk may still be involved, and I will be ready. In line with this thinking, I've booked several of my own cruises for 2021 and 2022. Thinking that a smaller ship to one destination would be the safest bet, our first return to the ocean will be aboard Oceania Insignia to Bermuda in July of 2021. Our second ship of optimism is another smaller ocean vessel in May of 2022 aboard the Viking Sky to the Mediterranean, something we rescheduled from May of 2021 with the thinking that such a port-intensive itinerary would be more likely to actually take place two years from now. The third and final cruise added to our roster is a 10-day Iceland/Scotland/Norway scheduled for July of 2022, a re-booking of a much-wished-for 2020 cruise that was cut by the cruise line due to the suspension of operations, re-booked with the hope that the world will get it's act together by then.
    Will these cruises actually sail? Will they go forward without incident? Will the pandemic still figure into the equation? I have no idea. But I do know that I now have something to look forward to with the assurance that I can cancel should things start to go south. What about you? Are you an avid cruiser brave enough to take a leap? I think you are!
  11. Jan115
    Are you embarking on your first journey at sea? Or maybe you need a refresher? Here are a few tips to make your cruise a smooth one.
    Flights. If you aren't cruising from a port close to home, you’ll need to fly to the port of departure. If possible, arrive at least a day early to allow for any delays or flight cancellations. If your schedule doesn't allow it, then you should book the first flight of embarkation day, preferably non-stop, being sure to allow enough time to reach the ship 90 minutes before sailing. Consider booking your same-day flight directly with the cruise line, where they will help you get to the ship (or to the next port) should you be late. Your agent will be happy to arrange flights and pre-cruise hotel stay. If booking your own flights, be sure to book afternoon flights at the end of the cruise to allow time to get off the ship, travel to the airport, and the process of getting through security. Check with your cruise line for recommended flight times for your itinerary.
    Pre-Book Shore Excursions, Onboard Shows, Restaurants, and More. While not required, if you have your heart is set on a specific shore excursion, a special meal at a specialty restaurant, or a gotta-have spa treatment, consider reserving it in advance on line. In fact, on some ships, the big production shows may be reservation only, and by booking ahead, you’ll guaranty yourself a seat. You may even save money on some activities and entertainment by pre-booking rather than waiting until you're on board. Wifi minutes, in particular, are generally less expensive to buy in advance than on board. Your agent can help with any advance reservations.
    Special Occasion Celebration. Tell your agent if you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday, graduation or other occasion. You may find a special gift or greeting card in your stateroom from the captain, as well as a cake at dinner presented by some enthusiastic waiters.
    Cruise Documents. Be sure to complete on-line check-in at the cruise line's website at least a week before sailing. Print your boarding passes, including luggage tags, and bring them with you to the port with your passport/ID required to board. By doing this in advance, you'll save time at the pier and begin your vacation that much sooner. Your luggage tags can be attached to your bags prior to leaving for the cruise port. Your agent will be glad to help with your cruise documents. Just ask!
    Do You Need a Passport? A passport is highly recommended and the preferred ID for all travel. However, for U.S. citizens on “closed-loop” cruises (cruises sailing to and from the same U.S. port to destinations in the western hemisphere, a state or city birth certificate with raised seal AND government ID (driver’s license, etc.) are acceptable. Remember, though, that in an  emergency situation, where it would become necessary to fly home, a passport would be required, which is why a passport is always better. Non-U.S. citizens should consult their government officials for necessary travel documents. It is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain the necessary documents to travel. For current information on applying for or renewing a passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State, Passport site.
    Note: Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliantdriver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID  (i.e. a U.S. valid passport) to fly within the United States. Check for the star. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
    Getting to the pier. Transfers are available for purchase from the cruise line to get you between the ship and the airport. Depending on the port’s distance from the airport, it may be quicker and cheaper to take a taxi, Uber or Lyft. Your travel agent can help with independent private and shared transfers, as well. Whether you are driving and parking at the pier, or choosing a transfer, porters will be there to take your luggage and see that it arrives safely to your cabin.
    Port Check In/Registration Process.
    Your taxi or transfer will drop you off at the port - be sure to have your passport and boarding pass ready. Crew members will take your luggage, store it on carts, where it will be delivered later to your cabin.
    You’ll next be directed to security where, much like an airport, bags will be scanned and you will be directed through a metal detector. Note: if you have any orthopedic hardware (knee/hip replacement) pacemaker, or other metal implant, be sure to tell the agent. They will either have you go through a body scanner or direct you through the metal detector for any further body search necessary.
    You’ll next be given a health form to complete. This form asks if you’ve been ill in the recent past. At this point, you’ll either be directed to a waiting area or directly to the line for registration, where an agent will take your health form, boarding pass, review your passport, take your photo, and issue you your room key (sign and sail pass).
    Note: Cruise lines are gradually introducing electronic methods of pre-screening in an effort to streamline the boarding process (i.e. Princess Medallion, etc.). This may involve the option of downloading and pre-registering on the cruise line's smartphone, enabling you to simply greet a rep onboard who will simply scan the App's bar code, making boarding a breeze.  Read your cruise line FAQ to learn how you will register and board the ship.
    Lastly, before you actually board, you will be greeted by the photographer, who will ask you and your guest(s) to pose for a fun embarkation photo. This is your first brush with the ship paparazzi, whom you will see throughout your cruise. There is no obligation to have your picture snapped every time and no obligation to purchase any photos, but if you do, photos can be found in the on-board photo studio.
    Carry-on Bag. Your luggage may not arrive to your cabin until the end of the day, so it's a good idea to carry on things you’ll need throughout your first day on board. Boarding passes, documents, passport, ID, cash, credit cards, phone, medications and anything of value must always be carried. Never pack these in your luggage. Other useful items are a swimsuit, a change of clothes, toiletries, sunscreen and camera.
    Dress Code. Check with your cruise line for suggestions on what to wear on your cruise for your particular itinerary. Generally speaking, casual clothes are the norm at breakfast, lunch and around the ship. Swim attire is acceptable at the pools and spa, and you'll need proper workout wear for the fitness center. Evenings range from casual to smart casual. Most cruises feature a formal night one or two nights each cruise, but the definition of formal means different strokes for different folks. While you'll still see an occasional tux on the guys and a long gown on the ladies, jacket and tie and cocktail dresses are more the norm. Even Holland America has downplayed their description of formal night, now calling it “Gala Night”. On Norwegian Cruise Line, they have done away altogether with formal nights, offering one optional dress up night. Most all cruise lines now offer alternative dining venues for those not wishing to dress up.
    Alaska and Other Colder Climate Destinations: Weather in Alaska can change by the minute. I can’t stress enough ... dress in layers! It may be freezing in the morning, but 60 degrees and sunny by lunch. Always bring a light-weight weather proof jacket along for rain and mist. Gloves, a hat and scarf come in handy when out on deck in the glaciers. Also, bring binoculars for spotting wildlife!
    Tropical, Warm Climates: Don't forget bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses and light rain jacket for popup showers!
    For more information on packing, see my Packing List.
    Beverages Brought on Board. Each cruise line has a policy in place as to what kinds and how much alcohol, soda or water guests are allowed to bring on board. If alcohol is allowed to be carried on, it's usually limited to wine or champagne. Consult with the cruise line or your travel agent to learn what your cruise line will or will not allow. Always hand carry beverages on board, never in your checked luggage. In lieu of buying (or bringing) plastic water bottles, bring along a refillable water bottle. Your purse and the environment will thank you.
    Laundry. Most cruise lines offer laundry and dry cleaning services for a price. Suite guests and guests with loyalty rewards may get these services for free; otherwise, expect to pay a fee. Some even offer self-service laundry rooms, as well, with token- or coin-operated (or on luxury lines, free) washers and dryers (and vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent). For safety reasons, irons are not allowed in staterooms.
    Cabin Amenities. Most staterooms are equipped with standard 110-volt AC electrical outlets and hair dryers.  Newer ships are also including USB outlets. Either way, bring a travel size power adaptor - rated for cruise ship use -  equipped with USB plug-ins, too, since cabin outlets can be limited, and those laptops, iPhones and cameras will surely need charging. Most cruise lines include a mini-safe in every cabin, as well as a mini fridge. While almost all cruise staterooms have flat screen TVs with limited channel selections, some provide movies on demand, as well as a convenient way to check your account on board, view the ship's view on the outdoor cam (especially nice if you’ve got an interior cabin), order room service, shore excursions, and listen to the day’s announcements.
    Embarkation Day. Explore the Ship and get organized. Depending on the cruise line and the time you board, you might not be able to access your cabin right away. This would be a good time to grab lunch in the buffet, grab a drink at a bar, take a swim (if you carried on your swimsuit) or explore the ship and learn the lay of the land using the handy deck map you should have received when you boarded. If you didn't prebook shore excursions, spa appointments or restaurant reservations, you might want to do this as soon as you board. Be forewarned that the buffet is a busy place on embarkation day. For a quiet, lighter lunch, look for alternatives - lido deck grill, sandwich cafe, etc. Princess, for instance, has a wonderful International Cafe in the ship's Piazza with sandwiches, salads, quiche, and light fare which is far more peaceful.
    Safety Drill. Cruise ship safety drills, or muster drills, are mandatory for crew and passengers, and should be taken seriously. Taking place just before sailaway, the drill provides life-saving information and steps needed in case of an emergency situation. Don't think of skipping it, because crew members will take a head count. Most likely you won't need to bring your lifejacket, but you will need to bring your key card/ID to the drill.
    The Daily Newsletter. A newsletter will arrive in your cabin each evening containing all the need-to-know info you'll need for the next day’s activities. In addition, many cruise lines, including Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Holland America have introduced smartphone Apps that can be conveniently downloaded and accessed for free through the ship's wifi.
    Shore Excursions. A list of available shore excursions is typically available at least six months before your scheduled departure; some cruise lines make shore excursions available immediately upon booking, even if the sailing date is further out still. If so, you might want to book your top two to three (if not all of your) shore tour picks in advance (online or by phone) since many popular ones do sell out. Shore excursions can also be booked onboard through the ship's shore excursion desk and, in some cases, via the cabin TV or cruise line App. As an alternative to ship excursions, your travel agent can recommend unique or private tours not offered by the cruise line. Please ask!
    Cruise tours vs. going it on your own? The answer largely depends on the port city, and the preference of each passenger. If you want someone else to take care of transportation, meals and making sure you're back on the ship in time, go with one of the cruise line's organized tours. Others find they can save money by making plans directly with independent operators or prefer exploring on their own. Many people will plan a mix of cruise line excursions, private tours and independent wandering.
    Keeping in Touch: Phone Service/WiFi.
    Calling: Most cruise ships are now cell phone friendly; however, satellite service at sea is expensive. Unless you need to make a call while at sea, set your phone in “airplane mode” to avoid any charges for phone or data services appearing on your phone bill when you return home. Check with your cell provider to find out what they offer in terms of discounted international calling, text and data roaming plans.
    Wifi: Cruise ships also offer wifi packages to purchase for those who can’t live without their laptops and mobile devices while traveling. You can log on in the ship’s internet cafe or your own device. Keep in mind that wifi service on board your ship will be much slower than you’re used to at home, specifically at peak times of day. For lengthy use, it’s best to wait until you’re in port and use free wifi in town or your international calling/data roaming plan you may have purchased from your carrier.
    Want to completely disconnect while away? Just turn your phone off for the entire trip, lock it in your safe and take it out for emergency use only. Communicate with your travel mates by old-fashioned means - sticky notes on the door, room-to-room calling, and pre-arranged meeting places.
    Money Matters. Cruise ships these days operate on cashless systems. The key card or device given to you at check in also serves as your onboard credit card. Even though your meals and onboard entertainment are included, you will most likely incur charges for alcoholic beverages, shore tours, gift shop purchases, spa services, casino specialty dining and other extra services. All of these purchases are made with your key card, charged to your onboard account, which, in turn, is tied to the credit card you provided at check in.
    Cash and Currency. Credit cards are accepted most everywhere in port. However, it’s good to have some cash on hand for those times when a credit card just won’t due. Bring along a stack of $1 bills for tipping bag handlers, drivers, room service, etc. If you are visiting foreign ports, it’s a good idea to have a small amount of local currency for purchases from vendors who don’t take credit cards or for tipping local tour guides and taxis. Don't forget some foreign public toilets, particularly in European destinations, have a "pay to pee" policy; be sure to have some Euro coins on hand for this purpose. While your cruise ship will most likely have currency exchange services, the exchange rate will be high. Therefore, it’s best to get foreign money from your local bank or obtain it from an ATM machine in port. Be sure to inform your credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any travel alerts being placed on your card, resulting in denials at the register.
    In-Room Safe. Be sure to lock your wallet, cash, credit cards, passport and other valuable items in your cabin safe.
    Medical Facilities. Shipboard medical services typically consist of a physician and nurse to take care of minor temporary illnesses and accidents for a fee. If you have a serious illness or injury, you will likely be sent to a land-based hospital and miss the rest of the cruise. Many commonly used medications are kept onboard and can be prescribed by the ship's doctor. However, it's generally cheaper to get over-the-counter medicines in port -- or better yet, bring them with you from home. If you take prescription medicine, it's a good idea to carry copies of your prescriptions with you in case your medicine gets lost or stolen.
    Motion sickness. If you think you might be prone to seasickness, bring along a small supply of Bonine or similar motion sickness medication. It will be available on the ship, but will be far less expensive to have your own on hand. Other remedies to consider bringing are patches, Sea-Bands or Ginger.
    Dining: When you booked your cruise, you should have selected your preferred method of evening dining: flexible/open seating or traditional assigned seating. 
    Traditional assigned seating means that you have the same table, dining time and dinner mates for the duration of your sailing. If you opted in for assigned seating, you'll receive confirmation of your dining time either before you sail or on embarkation day; your table is usually assigned once onboard. If there are any problems, see the maitre d' after boarding to request a change.
    Open/Flexible dining means you dine wherever, whenever and with whom you want. This is the most popular way to dine on cruise ships due to all the dining choices, especially on the larger ships. In most cases, you have the option of making reservations in advance - including on line reservations before sailing - or just showing up to the venue and waiting in line, like you would for any dining establishment at home.
    Alternative dining options. In addition to the dining choices included in your fare, there will be severable specialty dining options, some requiring an additional fee. Even if you have assigned seating, you don't have to eat in the dining room every night. You'll find other choices from pizza parlors to the ship's buffet and specialty restaurants (steak, Italian, Asian, etc. And, of course, there's always room service, which is free or low-fee on most ships. If you choose traditional dining, be sure to tell your main dining room staff of your plans to eat elsewhere so they aren’t waiting for you.
    Special dietary needs. Many special dietary requests can be accommodated; be sure to discuss them with your cruise line when booking; notification requirements can vary by cruise line from anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months prior to your departure. It's a smart idea to follow up with the dining room maitre d' on embarkation day to ensure there are no hiccups. Vegetarians generally don't need to alert the cruise line in advance (vegans should); kosher meals can be provided on many lines, but will likely be pre-prepared.
    Religious services. Some cruise lines have clergy onboard for significant holidays like Christmas, Easter, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Some offer services at other times, too (like for weekly Sabbath or Sunday mass observances), usually when there is a clergy volunteer sailing onboard as a passenger. More of a rarity, lines like Holland America feature a member of the clergy onboard every sailing to lead weekly non-denominational services.
    Special occasions. Celebrating an anniversary, a birthday or honeymoon? Tell your travel agent or the cruise line, and they will offer some options for special ways to commemorate the occasion. Special celebration or honeymoon packages can be pre-ordered for a fee. Many times, as long as the occasion is noted in the reservation system, you will receive a card from the Captain or other staff member. Bring it to the dining room, and the staff may present you with a small complimentary cake for dessert complete with singing waitstaff.
    Tipping. Most mainstream cruise lines charge a per person/per day fee for tips (service charges). These are automatically added to your onboard account in one lump sum or daily increments. If you prefer, you can prepay them with your cruise far before sailing. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the service, some lines will allow you to adjust the amount or remove the auto gratuity at the reception desk. On many of the luxury lines, tips are already included in your cruise fare. Be sure you know what the tipping policy is for your cruise when you book so there are no surprises later.
    Settling your account. On the last evening of the sailing, you'll receive an itemized bill of all the charges incurred during your cruise. Be sure to check it over and if anything is inaccurate, resolve it at the service desk before you leave the ship. It's easier to solve a problem while on board than when you get home. If the bill looks good, no  need to do anything. The amount will automatically be charged to the credit card on file. Be sure to keep a copy of the bill if there are any questions later when your credit card statement appears. Some cruise lines allow you to check your onboard account daily through the in-cabin interactive TV system to avoid surprises. Also new to many lines is a mobile app you can download to your mobile phone for checking the balance, as well as providing many other onboard features. It’s a good idea to check your account every so often to spot any problems early, avoiding gridlock at the desk the morning of departure.
    Preparing to disembark. In most cases, you will need to pack your bags the final day of your cruise and place them outside your door before retiring for the evening. You will be given a disembarkation package which may include a government custom form and colored or numbered tags to attach to your bags. The bags are then collected by the crew and will be waiting for you in the baggage area of the terminal when you disembark. Important: Don’t pack anything you’ll need the next morning, including toiletries, clothing, outwear and footwear - you’ll need a change of clothes in the morning. Keep medication, passport, ID, customs form, and any other important documents in your hand baggage that you will carry off with you the next morning.
    Note: You also have the option of "walk off" - don't put your luggage out the night before debarkation. Just walk off in the morning, taking all your bags with you. This is good for people with early flights, those on short cruises with very little luggage, or able-bodied guests who just don't want to deal with searching through a sea of bags the next morning.
    Morning of Disembarkation. First, if you’re not in a rush and don’t have an early flight to get to, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The specific process of departing the ship depends on the cruise line, but it usually involves either waiting in your cabin or a public area for your tag color or number to be called, at which time you exit the ship, pick up your bags, and exit the terminal to your taxi or pre-arranged transportation to the airport or your post-cruise hotel.
    Tip: It helps if you mark your luggage with colorful tags, tape or a colorful ties. Your bags will be easier to spot in an endless sea of cruise terminal luggage.
    This covers most everything a "newbie" to cruising needs to know. Of course, if you have any questions or need further information, you can always contact us.
    Happy cruising!
    Jan Neves
    CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent
    www.sevenseajourneys.com
  12. Jan115
    In eager anticipation of your next cruise, you've logged into Norwegian Cruise Line's online cruise planner, and you're greeted by words in big bold letters:  "LET'S GET YOU UPGRADED!"
    Those first four words grab your attention with a promise of a better cabin than the one you've already booked. Then your eyes move on to the words "Submit an Offer ... " and you realize that you'll have to shell out some money for that upgrade. The big question is, should you submit an offer to upgrade your stateroom, and then ask yourself a second question - is it worth it?
    Norwegian's Upgrade Advantage guest bidding process is simple. Click the offer link, view the cabin categories available for upgrade, the minimum and maximum bids, and place a bid on one or more categories. As long as your bid has not yet been accepted, you can change or remove it any time. If NCL accepts your bid, the upgraded cabin becomes yours, and your credit card charged immediately. There is no changing your mind, it's non-refundable, and you can't pick the cabin location. In other words, you'll take what they give you. If your bid is not accepted, then you lose nothing and you retain your current cabin.
    So, how do you decide what amount to bid? First, go to the NCL website and pretend to book the same cruise and cabin you want. What is the current per person price? Then, look at the bidding price for that cabin in your cruise planner. If you really, really want that mini-suite, is your bid going to cost more than what it would cost to buy that cabin outright? The dollar amount slider will indicate your chances of winning, "poor" up to "excellent". Surprisingly, the one time I bid on the next class up, from balcony to mini, I won with the lowest possible bid. Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly what cabin we wound up with because we had to cancel the cruise.
    Keep in mind that you are bidding on a class of cabin. So, if you're looking to move up from an ocean-view to a balcony, you could win a balcony cabin in anycategory of that class - even an obstructed cabin. Also remember that you may have chosen your existing cabin based on a great location - for us that means mid-ship with easy access to everything on board. Your upgraded cabin could be anywhere - first cabin forward, last cabin aft, under a noisy club or any one of a number of unfavorable locations. Your upgraded cabin could end up feeling like a downgrade.
    The most likely factor in deciding which bids are accepted and for how much may very well be how certain categories are or aren't selling and how much space they need to fill before the ship sails.
    Getting back to the original questions:
    Should you bid: Are you perfectly happy with your present cabin? Probably not. If you are aren't fussy about cabin location or absolutely would love THE HAVEN, and don't mind spending the extra money, sure, give it a go.
    How much should you bid? What can you afford and will you be getting a better cabin for what you're willing to bid?
    For more information about the bidding process, see Norwegian's Upgrade Advantage FAQ.
     
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