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Jan115

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  1. Jan115
    [Updated 6/27/2020] If you experienced a recent COVID-related cancellation during the 2020 pandemic, you might be cursing the cruise lines, airlines, or resorts out of an abundance of frustration in obtaining refunds or credits. If you booked your own trip, unfortunately you’re on your own. The entire experience of contacting agencies for your refunds or credits can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if there’s an urgency to have your money refunded.
    Now imagine if you had booked with a travel professional. He or she would have expertly borne the frustration and aggravation of dealing with the travel providers so you wouldn’t have to. Travel agents may have more effective contacts and avenues at their disposal, making refunds more timely and with less hassle. This is just one of the reasons why working with a travel agent is very beneficial in today’s uncertain world.
    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?  When it’s safe to cruise again, you’ll want to know about health and safety precautions, the safer travel destinations, and the best ways to get there. Following are ten compelling reasons why you should book with an experienced travel agent. Note, these recommendations are directed to cruise travelers, but can be applied in any travel situation.
    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 that specializes specifically in ocean and river cruising will help you sort through a sea of options and find the best ones that work for you. With years of experience working in the travel industry and with different types of clients, a travel agent can easily provide you with options and help you compare the pros and cons of each. 
    The information presented by the travel agent will allow you to see the bigger picture of all of your cruise options, making it very easy for you to come up with a sound decision. The cruise you’ll pick for the first time can leave an impression, which is why you should know how to pick the best type of cruise. 
    2.  Your time is precious.  Who wants to spend hours sorting through the hundreds of cruise ship and itinerary options?  Do you actually have the luxury of time to sit in front of a computer for hours and then compare different cruise ships?  An experienced agent will be happy to do the work for you – it’s what they love to do.
    Your time is precious, which is why it’s best if you let professionals search and book your cruises for you. As mentioned, travel agents have a proven track record in the industry, which means that they know where and how to search when looking for cruise ships suitable to your needs and budget.
    When you work with a travel agent, you just have to inform them about what you’re looking for in a trip and how much your budget is, and they’ll get back to you with options that suit your preferences. The time you’ll save from looking for cruise ships and itinerary options can be used for other important tasks such as packing for your cruise and preparing mentally for the trip. 
    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.
    If you’re fond of traveling, you can even look for a travel agent who can help you sell miles from United Airlines so you’ll be able to maximize your points and enjoy more perks. 
    7.  Personalized Service.  Have you ever been frustrated with the 800-number large web-based agencies, waiting on hold, unreturned phone calls, or misinformation? During the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly, many travelers have complained that calls to their OTA’s (online travel agency) for help have gone unanswered. With inexperienced order takers in their call centers, OTAs simply don’t have the means to handle this volume of request, let alone in a professional and knowledgeable manner. 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. Most importantly, a qualified agent will be there to help you when you most need it.
    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 Outfit, keep in mind that you may be taking business away from the guy around the corner trying to feed a family.
    9.  We Have Your Back.  If any problems should arise before or during your vacation, a good agent will advocate on your behalf to get the answers and results you’re looking for. Like during a pandemic or other world event having a broad effect on travel.
    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 and bonus amenities, the agent will get a commission, and everyone wins!
    At the time of this writing, ship operations are paused, but when they sail again – and they will – you’ll want to be ready. A travel advisor is one of the best tools you can use in a post-pandemic vacation world.
    ______________________
    By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent
  2. Jan115

    2020 Holiday Travel Tips

    By Jan115,

    Holiday travel for U.S. residents will be very different in 2020. No doubt about it. With the exception of small or expedition cruise ships, vacations by sea are essentially off the table for the rest of 2020 (depending on how the CDC rules on cruising when the current No-Sail Order ends October 31). But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a great escape over the holidays. 
    While some folks have sworn off travel altogether since the COVID-19 pandemic became front and center in the U.S., others have managed vacations or business trips by car or plane, whether close to home or international. For example, a great many U.S. citizens have safely traveled to the Maya Riviera or Cancun areas of Mexico over the past weeks, while others have taken advantage of our uncrowded national parks. Even Disney and Universal have re-opened their theme parks, and you may never find them less crowded than now. However, with a recent spike in virus cases nationwide, the choice to travel over Thanksgiving and Christmas could be a difficult one this season. But with some advanced planning, some tolerance for risk and knowledge of health and safety protocols in place for your chosen destination, it’s indeed possible to enjoy a great escape this holiday season.
    Personal Health and Safety for the Group. Before deciding to travel, take into account your own health and that of your companions. The elderly and those with underlying health problems should consider staying home. Plan on keeping your group small – just a few close friends or family – and keep any gatherings small. Above all, no matter the presumed safety of your destination, wear masks and maintain social distancing whenever possible.
    Research Your Destination. U.S. cities as well as foreign countries are at various stages of re-opening to visitors and will have different Covid-19 regulations in place. Before making plans, do your homework and learn about local testing and quarantine rules and how these will affect your destination and your own home town. Build flexibility into your vacation plans in case of last-minute changes.
    Read official destination travel guidelines. Go to the health department or visitor’s bureau website for your destination or visit the CDC’s COVID Travel Page and learn what the protocols are and what travel restrictions are in place. Do they require testing in advance? Do they require a period of quarantine before or after arrival? What precautions are in place for the hotel or resort? Plan ahead to avoid disappointment or, worse, being turned away for not following the rules.
    Have a Talk With Your Travel Companions. Before handing over that credit card, have an honest discussion with those you’re traveling with. If it’s just you and your significant other, it’s not too great an issue. However, if you’re traveling with people you don’t live with, discuss where you’ve been and those people you’ve been in contact with recently to determine risk factors. If possible, consider a 14-day quarantine before departure, especially if you are regularly in contact with elderly family members. Determine what steps you’ll take to remain healthy and avoid getting sick.
    Know The Airline and Hotel Booking Policies. If you’ll be traveling by air, review the airline COVID policies and protocols regarding social distancing, mask wearing and other safety precautions. Also understand their cancellation, refund and change policies. For example, for a temporary period of time, many airlines have become more flexible, allowing refunds or future flight credits for cancellations due to COVID. Likewise, hotels and tour companies have their own policies in place, some more foregiving than others. Pre-screening requirements may be in place, as well, necessitating completion of an on-line form in advance of departure.
    Choose Hotel Stays Over Family Stays. Whenever possible, book a hotel rather than rooming with family. The less chance of introducing the virus to others, the better.
    Consider Travel Insurance. Even if you’re the type to through caution to the wind, this might be a good time to take another look at travel insurance. Be aware, though, that all policies are not alike, and some may not cover cancellations or changes due to pandemic. Review policies carefully, and contact the insurer with any questions before purchasing.
    Book with a travel professional. Travel during a pandemic presents many challenges. Weeding through hotel, flight and tour protocols, guidelines and terms & conditions can be overwhelming and confusing. Trust in a travel specialist who can help guide you in the right direction, will know the current conditions of a particular destination, the best way to get there, and help keep you safe and healthy.
    Travel planning for a 2020 holiday vacation may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. While travel may not be without risk, some advanced research and preparation will help keep you healthy and safe during your holiday travels.
    ~ Jan
  3. Jan115
    I recently heard from a friend and fellow cruiser that Cruise Travel Magazine was ceasing publication as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. I believed her but, of course, I had to go see the news for myself, directly from the source. Sure enough, the magazine's home page contained a single paragraph: 
    "Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, lack of advertising and the current and uncertain future of the cruise industry, we are forced to cease publishing Cruise Travel magazine. The COVID-19 virus pandemic has taken quite a toll on the cruise industry and it has affected our ability to continue publishing the magazine. From all of us at Cruise Travel, we want to thank you for your loyalty over these past 40+ years and are wishing you all happy sailings in the future.
    We have been able to secure a travel magazine to fulfill your subscriptions. They will be contacting you directly in the near future."
    So it was true. The beloved 40-year-old publication was no more, and this makes me sad. I had been a faithful reader since planning my first cruise back in 2001. I had a travel agent for this first voyage, but not a great one. She wasn't there for my million and one questions, so I turned to books and magazines, of which Cruise Travel soon became my favorite go-to source for everything cruise related. What did I love about this great cruise rag? Everything, including:
    Featured ship of the month, usually a brand new vessel or a renovated or re-imagined one. It always made me happy to see a ship grace the cover that I would soon be sailing. For a renovated vessel, I couldn't wait to see the changes and improvements since I last sailed her. I'd immerse myself in the deck plans and photos. Cruise of the month, sometimes a longed-for itinerary or one I could only dream about. Port of the month, an overview of a port on the itinerary or perhaps a home port, with indispensable information and recommendations for planning purposes.  Extra features. My favorites were ones where Cruise Travel took us back to the good old days of cruising and the classic old ships that took us around the world. Of recent and relevant interest was the feature about small-ship cruising and its advantages, especially in a Covid pandemic world. Letters to the Editor. I loved reading opinions of people. They were honest and helpful, unlike the harsh social media comments of today. I will miss Cruise Travel's arrival in my mailbox every other month. While there are a hundred ways to obtain cruise information on the web, it's not the same as leisurely thumbing through a paper issue. 
    The good news for fans of Cruise Travel Magazine is the option to purchase 40 years of digital archives, allowing readers to enjoy hundreds of past issues. As I did not have the foresight to save all the issues I received, I may take advantage of their digital archive subscription service. I'm sure they will be a nice addition to my Kindle! And for readers who still have time remaining on their subscription, Cruise Travel will fulfill these with a different yet-to-be-named travel magazine.
    There are still a few paper magazines out there from which I can get my cruise news fix, but none as concise and informative as Cruise Travel. I will miss it.
     

  4. Jan115
    I had the good fortune to visit some great places and experience new activities while on a recent visit to Fort Lauderdale for an event hosted by the Florida Convention and Visitors Bureau. Many of us who live in colder climates come to Fort Lauderdale for its pristine beaches and charming intercostal waterways. In fact, we had the opportunity to view several beachfront hotel properties in town including Sonesta, the W, Westin and the B Ocean - all of which have their own identity, style and budget, and all of which I would highly recommend to anyone who wants the full beach experience. Indeed, the Fort Lauderdale Beach is where it’s at!
    However, Fort Lauderdale is more than sun, sand and surf. If you're not a big beach person, in town for a day or two before or after a cruise, or just looking for a way out of the sun for a while, here are a few interesting places I discovered on my visit.
    Flamingo Gardens - Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are into gardens, this is your place. You'll find exotic trees with names like "pink trumpet tree" and "Panama candle tree" and some gorgeous gardens including a butterfly garden, hummingbird garden and a children's fragrance garden. Getting married? There's a wedding gazebo to make your special day special! Be sure to check out the many beautiful peacocks that freely roam the property. This 60-acre oasis also features a wildlife sanctuary with alligators, otters, lots of birds, bobcats, turtles and, of course, pink flamingos! Our group had a special visit with Josh the Bear, where, with the help of his kind-hearted and informative handler, we had the opportunity to feed this beautiful animal which the facility rescued in 2013. 
    Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. What a surprise this special place is! Sitting just off the beach and surrounded by shopping plazas, restaurants, and luxury hotels is the last remaining preserved piece of serene property dating back to the late 1800s when Ft. Lauderdale was just wetlands and dunes. The home, formerly occupied by late artists, Frederick Bartlett and Evelyn Lilly, is loaded with odd, yet interesting collectibles from all over the world. The gardens are beautiful, though seemingly overrun with iguanas, and the property is also rented out for weddings and events. Before Evelyn died in 1997 (at the age of 109!), she had the good sense to give Bonnet House to the Florida Trust, with the express provision that the land be preserved and enjoyed for future generations.
    Sawgrass Recreation Park. Sawgrass is a family run business primarily featuring Everglades airboat rides. They offer rides for individuals, small and large groups, on airboats of various sizes. For our small group of 4, we had a private 30 minute ride on one of their small boats. It was my first airboat ride ever, and it was a blast racing over the grass-laden swamp. Wildlife wasn’t as abundant as I thought it would be, but we did stop to watch a couple of gators. Our guide was informative, filling us in on everything Everglades related. There is also a small wildlife sanctuary on site, featuring large and small endangered and exotic animals. The handlers were there to answer questions and offered visitors a chance to hold several, so it was educational and fun.
    Jungle Queen. The large, impressive Jungle Queen river boat has been cruising the canals since 1935. There are daytime sightseeing cruises, sightseeing and tropical isle cruises and the cruise we did - the sightseeing dinner and show cruise. Dinner and entertainment take place on their “jungle isle”, and on the way, you’ll cruise past lavish homes of the rich and famous and their mega yachts, complete with narration. Dinner is in a large covered pavilion, served family style on long tables, and consists of BBQ baby back ribs, chicken, shrimp and fries. Once you’ve had your fill, you can walk around and admire the animals and have a seat for the show. The variety show featured four acts, and they all were hilarious and fun, especially due to the audience participation. The hard seats we sat on, however, were painful. It was a fun night, though, but in all honesty, I didn’t really enjoy the dinner part, mainly due to my dislike of massive group dining experiences. But that's just me. if you don't mind communal dining in a crowded, noisy atmosphere, accompanied by an overly-loud band, then this is for you. 
    Fort Lauderdale Air Show. We just happen to be in town during this annual event. I hadn't seen stunt planes and since I was a kid, so this was a special treat. The weather was perfect, and our hosts provided us with a covered VIP viewing area complete with food and drinks. Obviously, because the traffic is nuts and hotel rooms are scarce surrounding the weekend of the air show, you might want to choose another time for your visit to Ft. Lauderdale. Unlike the air shows in my home state which take place over a hot air field, this one is perfectly located ocean side. Admittedly, I am spoiled now for air shows. With a private tent and section of beach, I don't think I'll want to view another air show any other way again! 
    Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Mermaid Show at the B Ocean, an underwater burlesque, so to speak, which takes place in the hotel’s Wreck Bar. Basically, the Mermaid Show features windows to the underwater portion of the adjacent pool which faces the bar, and pretty young women in full mermaid attire swimming around, stopping at the windows to peer in, smile, wave, and blow kisses. The later show, for ages 21 and older, goes on at 9:30, but we went to the 6:30 pm family-friendly performance. I must admit, it all felt a bit strange. With the guys hooting it up at the bar as they ogled the finned females, and the little kids loving the whole mermaid thing, it seemed like an odd mix of The Little Mermaid meets burlesque. Still, it was fun to watch.
    So, the next time you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, look beyond the beach for a new experience!
  5. Jan115
    A few years back I cruised on a seminar at sea for business and chose to share my cabin with a complete stranger to save money. As it turned out, we got along great, but it got me thinking - what if we weren’t compatible cabin mates? Most of the time, we share cabins with family or good friends. We know their habits and idiosyncrasies, compromises are made, and for better or worse, it usually works. But what if we’re spending a few days or a week with someone we don’t know well? Even when we think we know someone, a week-long cruise will reveal how little we really know. Here are a few tips to co-habitate peacefully.
    1.  Divide and conquer. Equally share drawer, counter and closet space, and keep your stuff in your space. Not only will it keep you organized but prevent your cabinmate from re-packing something of yours by mistake at the end of the cruise. 
    2.  Admit to snoring and early-to-bed or early-to-rise habits early on. Offer your mate a pair of earplugs if you are a snorer. If you like to wake up to the sun rising over the ocean, but your cabin mate likes blackout curtains, some compromises will need to be made. Learn to tiptoe and keep noise and light to a minimum when necessary.
    3. Take turns recharging devices. I brought my charger - my roommate lost hers. The outlets were few and in an awkward location on our ship. We had one charger for all our electronics, but with some planning, we made it work.
    4. Be aware of any perfume or aroma therapy scents and the effect they might have on your roommate. My roommate brought a supply of oils of various scents, which had my eyes watering and my head spinning. A carefully worded request to ease up on them worked, and there were no hard feelings.
    5.  Bathroom etiquette. Avoid spreading your cosmetics all throughout the limited shelf space. A hanging cosmetic bag works wonders for me. I unfold it from my suitcase and hang it directly on the bath door hook. Speaking of the bathroom and sensitivity to smells, a squirt or two of Lysol will help minimize objectional smells. To take it further, you might want to agree to use a public restroom for the “big jobs”.
     
     
  6. Jan115
    Whether you normally travel for work or you’re just chomping at the bit to get away, you’ll want to consider how you will stay safe and healthy before planning your next adventure. Covid-19 travel bans are gradually being lifted and destinations are re-opening, and you’ll need to take precautions - and take them seriously - in making trip preparations.
    It may be a while before major cruise lines sail or Europe welcomes Americans back. As if travel weren’t stressful enough with planning, packing and airport security, now we’re adding pandemic and health precautions to the list. If traveling for pleasure, your own tolerance for risk will determine your decision, but here are a few tips to weigh the pros and cons:
    Medical Check: First, see your doctor to make sure you have no underlying conditions that would make travel a risk.
    Destination: Next, study up on your destination. Are hotels and attractions open for visitors, particularly visitors from the U.S.? Is a mandatory quarantine rule in effect? What pre-screening will be required before entering the country or city?
    Transportation: Consider how you will get to your destination. Driving with close family members domestically is the safest option. Pack sanitizer, your own food and beverages for the road, and a mask for everyone. If you’re traveling by public transportation or air, find out beforehand what’s involved in the way of security and health screening so you know what to expect. Avoid public interactions by bringing your own water and snacks, when possible, and don’t forget your mask. hand sanitizer, and disinfectant. For flights, train or bus, wipe down your seating area, tray table, arm rests. Wear your mask. If flying, avoid connecting flights where possible.
    Hotels/B&B/Lodge: Check the hotel website for any new policies, procedures or restrictions in place. Ask how they are preparing for guests. Consider bringing along your own pillow. Just as with public transportation, use disinfectant wipes to sanitize everything you touch, and protect yourself with a mask and hand sanitizer, even if you trust the hotel to do a good job of cleaning. Avoid accommodations with shared or communal bathrooms.
    Cruise: If mingling with 5,000 other passengers sends you into a panic attack, consider a smaller ship. A boutique cruise line, such as Viking Ocean, Azamara and Oceania offers a less crowded and more personal experience. An adventure cruise, such as UnCruise, will be mainly an outdoor, nature-oriented vacation with less than 70 people. A luxury river cruise, like AmaWaterways will glide you comfortably along the rivers of Europe, Asia and Africa with under 200 fellow guests to as few as 28 passengers, depending on ship and destination. Cruise lines, big and small alike, are not new to sanitizing their ships, and when ships set sail again, there may never be a more safe and healthy time for cruising. New screening procedures will be in place. Life on board will be very different, so be sure to check with your intended cruise line for its new policies before you book.
    Consider Cancel-For-Any-Reason Insurance. Pandemics are not a covered reason for cancellation with most insurance policies. However, a policy that allows a cancellation for any reason may get you a full or partial refund if you should decide at the last minute that this trip isn’t for you. Consult with a insurance expert and read the policy to learn exactly what is and isn’t covered.
    Wear the Mask. It goes without saying that masks may be required at hotels, aboard cruise ships, on flights and other public places, but even if they are not, wear one, in consideration of yourself and those around you. Avoid physical contact (hand shakes, hugs, etc.), and socially distance where possible.
    Plan Now, Go Later. If the future looks uncertain or you decide that 2020 is completely off the table for travel, why not plan now for a trip is 2021 or even 2022. Most cruise lines, hotels and travel suppliers have extended final payment dates and relaxed their cancellation policies, giving you more flexibility and options.
    Travel will return. Be optimistic and be ready!
    ______________________
    By Janice Neves
    CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent
    Photo Credit: Image by Edmund Hochmuth from Pixabay 
  7. Jan115
    I have stressed in previous blogs about the importance of carrying both travel insurance and a passport while on a cruise vacation. An article on Yahoo’s travel page yesterday about a couple who cruised very recently without the benefit of either passport or insurance is a perfect example of what can happen if travelers don’t prepare for the unexpected.
    The couple were on a three-night cruise to the Bahamas when a sudden and serious illness necessitated a visit to the cruise ship doctor while the ship was docked in Nassau. The medical facility was unsuccessful in treating her and sent her to a nearby Nassau hospital. Her only insurance, unfortunately, was Medicare, which the hospital didn’t accept. Moreover, in order to be seen, the guest needed to fork over $2,000 in cash. To make a long story short, the woman was eventually seen and tested, and advised to fly home for surgery.
    However, this presented a second problem. The ship had already left Nassau by the time the woman was released from the hospital. The couple had very little cash and no money to fly home. Even if they did, they had no passports. While a passport is not required for a cruise beginning and ending in the same U.S. port, one is absolutely required for air travel.
    As of this writing, the couple is still stranded in Nassau and hoping, with the help of a GoFundMe page, assistance from the cruise line and wire transfers from friends at home, that they will be able to settle up with the hospital in Nassau and fly home soon.
    There are two very important lessons here. One, always expect the worst and don’t rely on your health insurance when traveling out of the country, especially if on a fixed income and only carry Medicare. Secondly, spend the money and get a passport, even if you think you would never need it.
    For the full article, visit: Yahoo Lifestyle
  8. Jan115
    In attempt to keep the costs down for this cruise, we initially booked an inside cabin. However, the price dropped and we were able to upgrade to a standard balcony at no extra cost. I wondered, would a balcony even be usable on a cruise like this, one in which driving rain and wind kept everyone inside? First things first ... get the balcony door open. We pulled and yanked to no avail, but finally the door slid open so that we could barely see the skyline and Statue of Liberty through the mist. Come to find out, when we had trouble with the door later that evening, we were told by our very gracious cabin attendant, Grace, that the wind makes it hard to pull the door open, to lean into the door and then pull. Whew ... what a relief! I didn’t want to gaze at the scenery through a rain-slicked window! 
    Once we looked around the cabin, I realized what I love about Princess staterooms - the fact that the space is much more functional and usable than the Norwegian cabins we’ve become accustomed to. I like having a desk more than a couch, for instance. The couch becomes a place to throw stuff, whereas a desk has drawers to hide things away. Love the Princess beds, as well, and their comfy beds are everything they advertise. The bathroom is compact but leaves enough room to move. The large flatscreen TV is mounted on the wall directly across from the bed, freeing up precious counter space and making TV viewing convenient without having to strain your neck.
    This ship is absolutely gorgeous, and even though the weather kept most people inside, it didn’t feel crowded. The decorating  scheme is tasteful, done in muted colors, using lots of mirrors and creative lighting to make it look ever so elegant. Artwork throughout the ship is sophisticated, matching the elegant tone and design of the ship. The Atrium is absolutely stunning. A special mention goes to the Seawalk, a very cool walkway extending out from the upper decks over the ocean with views at your feet 15 decks below to the water. Pretty awesome, and not as scary as I thought it would be.
    We have recently learned, after many a cruise, to head to our muster station about 15 minutes before the required drill alarm is sounded. In this case, our muster station was the Concerto dining room, to which we leisurely made our way, and had our choice of seats. We have also discovered other like-minded seasoned passengers who do the same - we saw one couple playing cards to occupy their time.
    We had intended on stopping by Club 6 for the Elite cocktail party at 5:00 pm but found ourselves at the Wine Bar, instead, off the Atrium for sail away. The weather was too nasty for a proper deck party, so the festivities were moved inside. Being our first time in a wine bar, we decided to try a “flight”, which we learned was a set of three 2-ounce wine samples. Even though the menu showed 8 different groupings, strangely enough, only two were available. I chose the European, and David chose the Italian. We were soon joined by three other friendly people From Long Island, adding some great lively conversation to our wine sampling.
    Due to the storm, sail-away was delayed by about 90 minutes. By then, some of the mist had cleared, and we had a decent view of both the NYC skyline, Lady Liberty and the Norwegian Breakaway heading into port.
  9. Jan115
    I remember my husband and I being aboard the Ocean Princess back in 2012 and watching a preview of the soon to premier Royal Princess. The new design looked so beautiful, with her large open atrium and understated elegance, and I knew it wouldn’t be long until we would sail this new class of Princess ship. However, it wasn’t until sister ship Regal Princess entered the picture a few years later that we were finally able to consider a cruise aboard the biggest ship in the Princess fleet. When I saw the Regal Princess was sailing a 5-night cruise to the Canadian Maritimes from New York in late October, I convinced my husband to juggle his schedule around in order to accommodate this short cruise, and it didn’t take much to convince my brother Norm and his wife, frequent cruise buddies, to join us! 
    The big day was finally here. The only slight blip on the horizon was the forecast of a nor’easter heading our way, threatening our sailing. As a result, instead of the 4-hour drive from Rhode Island to Brooklyn on the morning of the cruise, we drove down the night before with a stay an hour away from the Red Hook port, in Stamford, CT. This was a good move, because it made for a much less stressful drive for my brother, and we arrived relaxed and ready to cruise!
    We arrived at the port at 11:00 am in pouring rain, where Norm dropped off us and our bags, and went to park the car. Being Princess Elite, I was able to escort us all through priority embarkation quick and easy, and we were on board and in our cabins by noon. One of those fabulous things I love about Princess ... the rooms are always ready after boarding. No need for schlepping your stuff around while occupying your time until rooms are ready. We dropped off our stuff, checked out the room (more about that later), admired the fog, rain and mist from the balcony (I think I spot the NYC skyline ever so slightly), and is that Lady Liberty peering at us through the haze?). In just a short time, we were off to explore the ship!
  10. Jan115
    What exactly is a group cruise?
    When I offer a group cruise to someone, I often get looks of puzzlement or replies like "I don't like to travel in herds" or "nope, don't like crowds of tourists". What many people - those who have never experienced group cruising - don't realize is that a "group" reservation doesn't mean that you have to follow one another around the entire trip as if you were attached at the hip. For some, the term ‘group’ conjures up images of eating every meal together, doing every excursion together and doing every onboard activity together. On the contrary, you are absolutely free to come and go as you please and are never required to follow the crowd anywhere, if you choose not to. However, many groups are formed by families, friends or communities with the intent of enjoying the experience together - and do enjoy the comraderie a group provides. But for those who don't necessarily like the idea of cruising as a posse, rest assured that the real reason you are choosing a group is to take advantage of the special amenities that come with it - onboard credit, gifts from your agent and other group perks. If you happen to enjoy the company of your fellow group mates, all the better!
    As an example - if you don't know - CruiseCrazies is organizing our 3rd annual group cruise for community members next summer: Caribbean Princess 10-day Canada/New England-August 9-19, 2019. As a member of our group, you are never required to participate in anything with the group - though we would love it if you would (it's kind of why we have a great community in the first place, right?). In fact, beyond one or two shore excursions and a cocktail hour, we don't plan anything as a group. We let the group - or individual members - decide what they want from their cruise, and how and with whom they want to spend it.
    So reserve that group cabin and enjoy the benefits and amenities you get. Invite your friends and family, and hang out together - or don't. No pressure. It's your cruise. It's your choice. Just relax, sit back and enjoy!
    For more information about our CruiseCrazies 2019 Summer Cruise, go to:
    Our Community Group: 
    Reservation Link:
    https://7seajourneys.com/mbg/canada-and-new-england-summer-cruise-2019/
  11. Jan115
    Did you know? Repositioning cruises are a unique and affordable way to vacation and experience a number of ports around the world!
    Low prices, lots of relaxing sea days and interesting itineraries make a repositioning cruise an attractive vacation option. Most often taking place during the shoulder seasons of fall and spring, this interesting cruise option allows you to sail to unusual and off-the-beaten track locations when a cruise ship relocates to another region for the new season.
    Repositioning cruises vary in length, usually longer than your typical sailing, from 10 days to several weeks. Leaving from major ports such as Miami, London, Rome, Buenos Aires and Anchorage, repositioning cruises allow the unique opportunity to explore multiple destinations and even different continents around the world. Common itineraries include transatlantic voyages form the Mediterranean to the Caribbean in the fall, or the reverse in the spring, or sailings from Alaska to Hawaii. There is an endless combination of itineraries offered throughout the year as ships move from one region to another. 
    What better way to save money on cruising than to relax onboard a resort-style ship as you cruise to or from seasonal cruise regions like Northern Europe, Panama Canal, Hawaii or Asia!
  12. Jan115
    One of the most confusing things for travelers when booking flights are the names on the reservation. As we all know - or should know, especially if booking our own flights - airline reservations require names to exactly match those on the guest’s passport or ID.  But what about middle names? According to theTSA and Homeland Security travel requirements, middle names are not required, even if the middle name is spelled out on the passenger’s passport or traveling ID. In fact, by omitting the middle name, you avoid confusion as to whether to use middle initial or middle name, or in the case of some, having to squeeze 2 middle names on the reservation. You also avoid the annoying running of two names together on the flight reservation, i.e. “John Paul Jones” becomes “Johnpaul Jones”. 
    When TSA states the requirement that names match ID, they are not concerned with middle names, only the accurate spelling of first and last. For instance, if the passport says “Thomas Smith”, then “Tom” Smith is unacceptable. 
    I hope this clears up the confusion and makes your next flight reservation go easy.?
     
     
  13. Jan115
    My husband and I were vacationing in a beach cottage on Cape Cod seven years ago in one of our favorite New England coastal destinations – Wellfleet, Mass. We arrived to our rental cottage on a Saturday afternoon under sunny skies with the promise of a relaxing week in a lounge chair by the shore. I awoke early Monday morning, went out the door, lost my footing, dropped to the ground and suffered a double fracture of my ankle. What followed next was pain beyond belief, a shot or two of morphine, an ambulance trip to the local hospital, immediate emergency repair of my floppy, broken ankle, and a two-night hospital stay.

    Fortunately, for me, I was able to return to the cottage, complete with cast, boot and a pair of crutches - and a couple of friendly assistants.
    Now imagine this same scenario, or a more severe medical catastrophe, while on a cruise at sea or on a remote island in the middle of nowhere in a far-away land. Medical evacuation alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
    A cruise or extensive land vacation is a big investment. Ask yourself if you can afford to lose the money you have paid. Most likely, your vacation will be perfect. However, mishaps do happen, and no one can predict the future. Weather delays, family illness, injury, and even death can force a premature end to your vacation.
    Consider purchasing travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind it will provide.
    For more advice on the decision of travel insurance, read the article: Should You Buy Travel Insurance
     
    Entry photo credit: www.kootation.com
  14. Jan115
    While aboard the Norwegian Epic a few weeks ago, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes when a guest angrily complained to the lido bartender about the lack of a drinking straw for the frozen concoction she was holding. In the scheme of things, a plastic straw seems like a non issue, really, but it has become a hot topic since Norwegian did away with them as a step in an environmentally-friendly direction. The new line, Virgin Cruises, has similarly announced a similar ban on straws as well as other green methods of eliminating excessive waste. 
    I wholehearted agree with the forward thinking. You might say “it’s just a straw - how can a straw possibly make a difference?” Well, take a 5,000 passenger ship, for instance. That’s up to 5,,000 straws a day in the trash, some ending up in the ocean. We can all do our part, one baby step at a time.
    Start with those ugly disposable plastic water bottles. Plastic bottles, in my humble opinion, are the scourge of the earth. Ditch the plastic and start using a reusable water bottle. Bring it on your cruise, and make it a daily habit at home. 
    Buy some reusable drinking straws. Some are made of silicone, but the good ones are steel and indestructible. Bring a few along on your cruise. You’ll be the envy of all your frozen pina colada friends. Everyone will want one!
    Other ways to conserve include recycling glass, paper, aluminum, plastic and cans where available, re-using towels, turning off the lights when leaving the cabin, and closing the balcony door so the A/C doesn’t have to work so hard.
    Now, if only Norwegian would do something about those plastic cups ... ?
     

  15. Jan115
    Travelers with knee, hip or other joint replacements have another reason to hate flying: airport security. 
    When being discharged from the hospital after a total knee replacement last December, one important piece of advice was missing from the pile of recovery plan papers I received from the staff - how to get through airport security without setting off the alarm and the resulting embarrassing pat-down, both of which has happened to me several times in the months since my surgery. A member of airport security in Boston finally offered me some helpful advice which I hope will assist other "bionic" travelers at the airport.
    There used to be a time when the doctor would give you a note to show at airport security informing them of your joint hardware. This is no longer the case, and in fact most physicians rarely bother to offer a note for security clearance, as the FAA no longer accepts this type of proof. Whether you have a note or even display your surgical scar to the security agent makes no difference. When you pass through the metal detector, the alarm will sound, and you will require a full and thorough pat-down. To avoid this, try the following tricks:
    If there is the option for a full body scanner, choose it, as it will be much easier. There is no need to announce your artificial joint to security personnel. While metal will still be detected, the scanner will clearly show that the metal is in the bone. If a full body scanner is not present, be sure to tell a security agent that you have joint hardware BEFORE going through the metal detector. You will still most likely have to undergo further screening, but less intrusively, with either wand or a quick frisk.

  16. Jan115
    I was cleaning out some old clothes the other day and came across a box of T-shirts, purchased from various past cruises and land trips at a time in my life when I liked wearing T-shirts. Most in the pile were too small and never (or hardly) worn, and should have gone out to the donation collection a long time ago. This re-discovery got me to thinking about small regrets about my vacations past.
    By regrets, I don’t mean missed flights, excursions gone wrong or hotels from hell, but those memorable little things that I deem now to have been a waste of time, money or just poor judgment. In the case of the T-shirts, for instance, while I have one or two that did become favorites, the rest turned out to be too small, too big, ill fitting, or just really not my style. Crew neck shirts choke me, for one, these days, which made having all those shirts now pointless. Still, I kept buying them “just in case”. In the end, I really hate T-shirts. Here are a few other past vacation regrets:
    Running out of iPhone memory. I don’t take video often, but last spring while going through the Panama Canal, I thought it would be really cool to record the Coral Princess going through the locks. It wasn’t long before the dreaded “memory full” words came up, forcing me to use up precious time to go in and delete stuff. Instead of one grand video to show the folks back home, I wound up multiple footage of about 10 seconds each, and spent the rest of my day deleting old stuff to make room for new. I have since upgraded to a phone with more storage, so I have some time before I reach capacity (I hope)!
    Overpacking. I’ve gotten pretty good at judging the weight of a bag and avoiding fees, but the real issue came about while on a drive-trip with the family around Portugal several years back. The trunks (or boots, depending where you live) of the rental cars had limited room, as you can imagine, necessitating me to consolidate, toss out a few things, and leave one of my empty bags in the hotel we were staying in. To validate my “charitable donation”, I chose the worse, oldest bag in the bunch. What’s the the moral of this sad story? Always figure in what, how and where you’ll be traveling when packing and choosing luggage.
    Not adhering to the family meet-up rules. Probably because I was so mesmerized by my surroundings or, more likely, because I have a severely limited attention span, I would inevitably miss the words “we’ll meet [here] at [such and such time.” I once spent an hour searching for my family in Disney World. Some mother, huh? They were all where they were supposed to be. I was not. This was in the day before cell phones, so cut me some slack.
    Not learning to read a map. Finally, the last and probably most important thing that would have saved me and my family a lot of grief was to learn how to read a map. My husband will tell you that I am the worst navigator. Now keep in mind that this was the day and age before GPS, when going to the local AAA office for maps, guidebooks and TripTiks was a requisite for any trip. My husband learned early on to put our 10-year-old in the navigator seat of the family car, because she could be trusted, and I could not. As one who has hated asking for directions, I probably spent many hours of my early life driving in circles. GPS, these days, still has me going in circles, but those circles are now smaller and less frequent.
    What are your little vacation regrets or annoyances? Maybe you have some greater than mine. Feel free to comment.
  17. Jan115
    How I love this quote: 
    "Travel is like a giant blank canvas, and the painting on the canvas is only limited by one’s imagination." – Ross Morley
    When I was in the planning stages of my first cruise back in 2001, I combed through every book, magazine, website, review, video and photo I could find in order to choose the perfect cruise. Through others' eyes, I learned of the best ships, the best cabins, the best food, and the best destinations. I listened while others touted their advice on what to avoid and their 10-best lists. I ended up with many pre-conceived notions and over-inflated expectations of what cruise life is like. Granted, I felt prepared for that first ship adventure on the Grand Princess to the Western Caribbean, but I also dispensed with much of the useless advice I was given (despite the 1001 uses for duck tape, and how no one should leave home without it, I have never carried a roll in my 17 years of cruising). 
    I'm not saying that we should make the trip up as we go along - some preplanning is required. But I no longer plan down to the last pad of post-it notes. How many times do we visit the must-see sights in a destination only because someone said we'll be sorry if we didn't. For instance, when planning our time when the ship docked in Florence, it was suggested by some to combine our precious limited time in both Florence and Pisa. After all, how could we travel to this part of the world and NOT experience that leaning tower. Actually, we could. We've seen many a touristy photo - you know the one - the tacky photo of the guy pretending to hold up the tower so it won't fall.  We didn't feel the need to waste time when there was so much beauty in Florence to see.
    In other words, when you travel, create your trip from your own blank canvas. Start with the basics. Add your dream experiences - those bucket list items (the Sistine Chapel comes to mind!), but leave room for the unexpected - the seaside stroll, the impromptu music performance in the square, a chat with the locals over a pint in Dublin. See what that final painting reveals. It's those candid, unforeseen surprise moments that really make a trip! 
     

  18. Jan115
    [Updated 2018]
    Now that summer has officially arrived, so has hurricane season in the Caribbean, lasting from June through November, affecting tourists and residents from the Southern Caribbean, and on north to the coast of Maine. Should that stop you from booking a Caribbean or New England cruise in late summer or fall? No, and here’s why.
    Caribbean cruise rates are never better than they are in fall, especially from late August through mid-December. Crowds diminish, the kids are back in school, and cruising is generally quieter. It’s an ideal time to cruise.
    Chances are good that a hurricane will not affect your cruise plans. Cruise ships use the latest weather-tracking systems to steer around the path of storms. While you may encounter some rough seas, the crew will do a marvelous job of keeping you safe and the ship as steady as possible.
    If you are planning a Caribbean cruise in fall, you can take a few extra precautions to lessen the chance of weather-related mishaps.
    First and most importantly, buy a good travel insurance policy. You might even consider one with a cancel-for-any-reason feature. Arrive at your port a day or two ahead of your sail date, especially if you need to fly. While the cruise itself may not be an issue in a storm, getting to your ship on time could be. Weather delays and flight cancellations may leave you stranded at home. Getting a jump start to the cruise port will increase the likelihood of getting on board. When choosing a late summer or fall tropical cruise, consider a destination less likely to be in the path of a hurricane, such as Panama or Costa Rica. Use a travel agent. They have the resources to keep you alert to delays and cancellations and can get you where you need to be with minimal stress. If a storm does come your way, keep in touch with your travel agent for the latest cruise line updates and advice. If you are cruising during hurricane season, keep an open mind and board your ship with the right attitude. If a hurricane messes with your vacation, the ship’s itinerary may change, and you may find yourself in ports you weren’t expecting. Go with the flow, and enjoy your cruise, wherever it may take you.
    Jan
  19. Jan115
    What better way to explore an assortment of culinary creations than dinner in the complimentary dining room. Nothing in the cruise contract indicates you’re limited to one appetizer, entree or dessert at dinner. Feel free to order multiple dishes. If you can’t decide between the chicken cordon blue or the beef Wellington, order both. Same goes for appetizers and desserts, too. If no entree is calling out to you, then choose a few appetizers to serve as your entree. Don’t think you can finish a second entree? Then share it with your table mate. I typically can’t eat more than one entree, but I do like to order an extra side to share with my husband. Ordering multiple menu items is the perfect way to try new dishes!
  20. Jan115
    Nothing says "tourist" like a rental car full of cameras, luggage, maps and tour books. Would-be thieves, in fact, can spot a tourist and his rental from a mile away. Here are a few tips to prevent you and your rental becoming a victim of theft:
    - Don't have anything of value in plain sight while occupying the car, and definitely hide any valuables in the trunk while parked.
    - Look and drive like a local. Avoid having maps, guides and other touristy info out in the open while driving and when parked.
    - Leave glove box open to show there is nothing of value stored inside.
    - Watch for snatchers at traffic lights - crooks who will reach inside your window and grab your purse or camera. Better yet, keep windows closed and doors locked when occupying the vehicle.
    - For SUVs or hatchbacks, use the rolling cover during the day to hide any valuables. At night, remove everything, leaving only the harmless stuff, and roll the cover back so thieves will know there's nothing of value worth stealing.
    Jan Neves
    CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent
    http://www.sevenseajourneys.com
  21. Jan115
    If your vacation time is flexible, consider yourself fortunate. You have the ability to choose to cruise when prices are lower and cruise ships are generally quieter. There will be far fewer children to compete with, and ship activities will be more enjoyable. In the Caribbean, for instance, the highest prices and larger crowds occur during mid summer, school breaks and Christmas week. By choosing a cruise in, say, early November, you'll save money and easily navigate the ports and biggest attractions with fewer crowds and more elbow room.
    For more on the subject of when to cruise where, see my article: Destinations and the Best Time to Cruise Them
  22. Jan115
    To avoid missing the boat in port, snap a photo of the "All-Aboard Time" before stepping off the ship to see the sights. It's a great visual reminder for the younger, care-free members of your party venturing out on their own. Plus, if you have a few too many shots in the local watering hole, you can refer to your cell phone camera if your brain becomes too muddled to remember what time you're supposed to be back on board.
  23. Jan115
    It's a new year - March, already - and a belated Happy New Year! I hope everyone here at CruiseCrazies is in good health and has at least one cruise on the 2018 horizon! 
    I'd like to say I made resolutions for the new year, but that would be a lie because I never keep them. However, if I could put together a personal plan - an UN-resulotion, so to speak - it would involve three components: (1) cruise more, (2) cruise more and (3) cruise more ... oh, wait, that's the cruiser in me coming out, and I'm sure that's what we all here would resolve to do. What I meant to say was (1) ORGANIZE my time better, (2) BLOG more, and (3) CRUISE more, of course! 
    Let's start with the first - organize my time. I am a planner. I excel at travel planning. I keep a stellar household budget. My desk, for the most part, is neat - a place for everything and everything in it's place. What I CAN'T seem to get a grasp on is budgeting my time. I have ideas in my head, but I don't write anything down. So I start one project, then start another, and finally another, all without completing any. I'm a terrible multi-tasker. Even now, I have five desktop windows and ten tabs in my browser open because my thoughts jump from one idea to the next. I overthink some plans and totally blow off others. A-D-D? Who knows, maybe. I think it's just a time management issue. My plan for 2018 will be to actually keep a written list or schedule in a reliable place, which is clearly not my head.
    Next - I want to Blog more. I do love to write, and while I'm not a great writer by any stretch, I do write what I love. Whether due to writer's block, lack of interesting content, or disorganization as outlined above, my blogs - my two here on CruiseCrazies - and those elsewhere, have all been sadly neglected. I think that sometimes because I haven't been anywhere or done anything exciting, I simply have nothing to share. I do have ideas, though, about many things travel related - but, again, I don't write them down as I think of them. Therefore, my Blogging plan for 2018 will be to jot ideas down on paper or note them in my smartphone, and ultimately create some profound prose. 
    Third and last - CRUISE more! This is far easier said than down. First, I would have to quit my main job as an administrative assistant, and this is not yet possible because I need the money to - you guessed - CRUISE! However, my boss has been very forgiving of the 3-week vacation policy, now turning into 6 weeks or more, so I'll run with it. My husband's love of slot-playing - or should I say the amount of money he has "gifted" to the local casino - has resulted in some very cheap Norwegian cruises for us - once or twice a year. This has made a big advancement in my plan to cruise more - thank you, David! However, there are still oceans full of beautiful ships and so little time, and I would like to get a cabin on as many as I can before I die. For the first time in December, I cruised alone. I didn't have to wait for my husband's limited school-year schedule for that window of cruise opportunity. I just went without him - and I had a great time. So, my third and final plan for 2018 is to hop aboard a ship, alone if I have to, tell the boss I'm taking yet another week, and set sail when I want. 
    So, now that you are all witness to my personal plan, or my Un-Resolutions for 2018, let's see how I go. It's a little late for announcing new plans, three months into the year and all, but better late than never, right? Who knows, maybe by June, I'll post my belated "Best of" 2017 travel moments!
    Happy Cruising!
     
     
  24. Jan115
    Do you ever wonder how some cruisers seem to get loads of shipboard credit to use for onboard purchases? For the benefit of you folks new to cruising, any added value in the form of cash for you to use on board your cruise - for things like beverages, shopping, drinks, shore excursions, the spa, and other for-fee extras - is known as on-board or shipboard credit. Some people get a lot of it, while others seem to get none. If you're looking to score maximum onboard credits for your next cruise, you just need to know where to look. Here are a half dozen tricks for finding free money for your cruise:
     
    A Travel Agent. Don't expect an agent to fork over their whole commission to you in the form of credit so you can have a good time, but do expect them to know which cruise lines are offering some in the form of a promotion. The best way an agent can give you onboard credit is through a value-added offer (gifting you something rather than discounting your cruise), and many times this is done through group blocks the agent holds for the purpose of booking their clients. Either way, if you are dedicated and loyal to your travel agent, no doubt they will reward you. 
     
    Cruise Line Promotions. Cruise lines run deal after deal, and many of them come with a specific dollar amount of onboard credit, usually tied in with the number of days sailing or the category of cabin booked. The more money you are willing to pay for your cruise, the more credit you will receive.
     
    Book Your Next Cruise While On Board Another. Most cruise lines have an on-board booking program, either a Future Cruise Desk or an entire office staffed by crew members whose job it is  to entice you into booking your next cruise with them. After all, this is what builds their loyal customer base. To do this, you would place a small deposit ($100 per person, in many cases) in a future cruise, and the cruise line will reward you with onboard credit, again, tied in with the number of days or category of cabin you intend on booking for your next cruise. In fact, you don't even have to decide right then and there. Instead, the cruise line will give you a year or two to think about it.
     
    Refer a Friend. Many lines will reward you for bringing them business in the form of your friends and relatives who may be new to cruising - or a particular cruise line - and want to see what they've been missing. 
     
    Price Drops. This is hit or miss, but worth asking. If you find your cruise price dropped after final payment, the cruise line may issue you the difference in the form of onboard credit - or perhaps an upgrade. 
     
    Register a Complaint. Did you have a bad experience on your last cruise? If you had a serious issue with service or anything else related to your cruise, write a letter to the cruise line, explain what happened, and you may receive a letter of apology in return with a certificate for a discount on your next cruise or for shipboard credit. The amount would most likely depend on the severity of the complaint. Some assistance from a travel agent will help to assure your letter of complaint gets to the right people.
     
    Not all onboard credit is combinable, meaning you may not be able to combine onboard credits received from a promotion with those received as a loyalty reward. But it never hurts to explore all the options.
     
    Photo credit: Pixabay Free Web Photos
     
  25. Jan115
    Have you ever seen the Northern Lights, a.k.a. Aurora Borealis? If not, then you'll have a greater chance of seeing them during 2016 or 2017 if you're heading toward the Arctic. With a forecast of heightened activity, you'll be able to view them from a wide variety of locations.
    For the best experience, visit during early spring, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
    Read the full article: Where to See the Northern Lights in 2016
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