Going on a cruise?

The before-you-cruise checklist

So you booked a cruise. Can't wait to go? Great! You're likely have a wonderful time, given the cruise industry's high satisfaction rating among passengers. But are you really ready? Too often people wait until just before departure to do things that should have been done weeks earlier. Then in the rush to get it all done, they sometimes leave tickets, medicines or other essentials behind. After interviewing numerous travelers and travel agents, we've put together a checklist of "must do" advance tasks. These will help to assure your cruise planning and preparation goes as smoothly as possible.

To be done as Far Out as Possible

If you don't have a passport, if your existing passport expires soon, or if you don't have enough pages left in your passport, you'll need a new one. New passport regulations for American citizens traveling abroad will be fully enacted in June, 2009. The good news is that the state department has staffed up so passports are currently being processed and delivered in as little as a week. Don't expect this to last too long, however, as the final deadline gets closer the passport office will get busier. You can pay for expedited service to be sure you get your passport on time. Currently you can get a passport in as little as 24 hours, but in the future even VIP handling may take far longer than usual. Until June, 2009, if you don't have a passport, you can use a state issued ID plus an original birth certificate or certificated copy with a raised seal issued by an official government agency. For information, visit. Check with your travel agent about whether any visas are required for your cruise itinerary. Start this process very early on as well.

Six Weeks to Three Months Out

Shore Excursions: When you receive your cruise documents (your papers for boarding the ship), you usually will receive a shore excursion booklet describing the line's tour options in exotic ports of call. Don't set it aside: Read the booklet, make a decision, and book as soon as possible if you plan to take any of the line's shore trips. This is another thing your travel agent can take care of for you. The majority of cruise line shore trips are now booked in advance, and there are two good reasons.

First, booking in advance means your shore tickets will be waiting in your stateroom upon arrival. Or they might be delivered while you're at dinner that first night. So you'll avoid standing in a long line at the ship's shore excursion desk after you board.

Second, by pre-reserving shore trips, you'll have a good shot at getting the ones you want. This is particularly important for such popular activities as swimming with the dolphins in the Caribbean or going dog-sledding via a helicopter transfer in Alaska. These excursions have limited spots available. While the cruise lines say they save some spots for onboard bookers, travel agent will tell you it's risky to wait. Your chances improve with early pre-booking.

Spa and Salon Appointments:If you have the chance to book these in advance, and know what you want, then pre-reserve. Otherwise, you'll have to run to the ship's spa desk right after you board, and even then you might find yourself in a line. Try to pre-book your spa appointments on sea days, so you have time free in ports of call. Appointment slots fill up quickly. If you wait to book onboard, your only options may be port days or times during the dinner hour.

Embarkation Gifts:

If you're celebrating a special occasion on the cruise, like an anniversary or birthday, your cruise document package will often include information on how to book gifts or special packages. If not, ask your travel agent, this is another service they provide for their clients. It's a nice celebratory touch to pre-book champagne and hors d'ouevres for your stateroom on the day of embarkation. Or, you might pre-purchase "cruise line bucks" for your spouse or friend; that's basically a credit for onboard purchases such as spa treatments, photos or shopping. Most lines require that guests make arrangements for these "gifts" several weeks in advance, again something your travel agent can do for you.

Airline Tickets:
Travel agents often re-check their clients' air tickets (if purchased at the agency) to assure the tickets are correct. But if you bought your ticket directly through the cruise line or redeemed frequent traveler miles for a free ticket, you need to do this yourself. Is the flight schedule correct? Is your name correct? The airline might refuse to board you if the ticket name doesn't match what's on your ID. Are you ticketed to fly on the right dates and at the right times? It's not uncommon for tickets to be incorrect or for people to have mistakenly booked their flights on the wrong date or in the evening instead of morning. While you may incur a charge to correct the tickets, it's better to find out now rather than at the airport on your day of departure.

Also, check whether you have seat assignments. If not, try to book those directly with the airline. If they say they cannot assign a seat in advance, that means they're tight on space. Some seats are held for assignment on the flight departure day. If you cannot get a seat assignment in advance, check in early at the airport to assure you get a seat and are not bumped.

Credit Card Planning:

If your cruise documents have arrived, you're probably feeling great about having paid for the cruise in full. But start evaluating the credit you'll need on your trip. You'll need one credit card with a sufficient credit line, because the cruise line will ask for a credit card upon embarkation to cover the cost of your on-board expenses. At check-in, they'll run off a "credit card authorization" for a certain amount of money. Depending on the line's policy, length of cruise and type of journey (luxury, premium or contemporary), the line might get authorization for $50 to $200 in daily charges.

Why? Sometimes the cost of on-board incidentals might rival the price of the cruise itself. It's possible to run up over a thousand dollars in onboard charges for shore trips, alcoholic beverages, special onboard programs, casino play, spa treatments and onboard shopping. That doesn't mean you'll be billed on your credit card for more than you actually spend. If you spent only $80 for the week, that's what you'll pay when you get off the ship. But that preliminary credit authorization will apply to your card until it expires. For example, if you have a $2,500 credit card limit, the card already had a $1,500 balance prior to your cruise, and the line runs off $800 in "authorized" charges as a security deposit, you might be left with little usable credit on that card, at least temporarily.

If you rent a car or stay a few days in a hotel pre-cruise, those suppliers might also run off a credit card hold that could extend through the first day of your cruise. Translation? You might not have enough for the incidentals "hold" charge at check-in. So never go on a cruise with only $100 or $200 credit on a credit card. I've seen people incredulous at the purser's desk when their card is declined, saying, "but it had at least $200 on it." In reality, that isn't enough. Also, the "hold charges" placed on your credit card onboard might interfere with your ability to use that card for purchases ashore. Savvy cruisers take along two credit cards one for incidentals onboard, another for purchases ashore.

Arrange for a House Sitter:

If you want someone to house-sit for you while you're away, schedule it now. People's schedules fill up quickly, so start early.

Arrange for Child Care:

If you're not taking your children along on your cruise, arrange for child care. Would a relative let your kids to stay at their house while you're at sea? Would a grandparent consider staying at your home and handling cooking and supervisory tasks for your kids? Or will your children have to fly elsewhere to stay with a relative? All these issues should be dealt with well in advance.

Two to Four Weeks Out

Pre-Packing: Find a good spot in your home to open up the suitcase(s) you plan to take on the trip. Aim for one medium-size suitcase and one roomy carry-on bag. Travel agents say most cruisers tend to over-pack, and usually regret it later. Put everything you might possibly want to take along in piles next to the luggage. Over the next few weeks, evaluate what you have and start to take away this or that. Don't procrastinate and pack the night before your cruise, as you'll probably throw everything in "just in case."

The days of dressing up in formal attire every night are over. Usually no more than two nights on a one-week cruise are classified as formal. Resort casual has become much more the norm these days. Even on formal nights, some cruisers leave their gowns and tuxedos at home and simply order room service or head for the buffet restaurant. If you like to dress up, by all means take a gown or tuxedo, but don't take two or three different ones.

Packing efficiently can improve the quality of your cruise. Remember, if overstuffed checked bags are hand-searched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the airport, items may fall out, get lost or not fit back in the bag, causing a luggage delay. By packing efficiently, you also won't waste time in your stateroom unpacking unnecessary items and cramming them into closets. You'll also have room in your suitcase to bring souvenirs home without having to pay fees for excess baggage at the airport. If you're on a luxury cruise, inquire about fee-based luggage services that many lines offer. A company will pick bags up at your home and the next time you see your luggage, it will be in your cruise cabin.

Medicines and Toiletries:

Many people take prescription medications. If you do, don't wait until it's time to depart to discover you need refills. Take care of this at least two weeks out. If you need a new prescription, there's time to handle the situation with your doctor. And take along plenty of medicine. A good rule of thumb is one week's extra supply, just in case there's a flight delay, winter storm or some reason why you can't get home on time.

If you get seasick or carsick easily, talk to your physician about remedies or use of "the patch." Also, you might want to buy sea bands -- small, elasticized bands that cover both wrists and have proven helpful in preventing nausea. You'll find these in most drugstores.

Many cruisers want to pack toiletries or over-the-counter medications as well. If you plan to carry on these items, TSA says all liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon-size bags or bags that are not zip-top (such as fold-over sandwich bags) are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag, and each container must be three ounces or less. Visit for more information.

So put non-essential stuff in checked luggage, using zip bags to avoid any problems if a bottle accidentally breaks. Yes, you could just buy toiletries and over-the-counter medicines (like Pepto Bismol or cold medication) on the ship or in ports of call, but prices can be higher. Also, it might not be that convenient to spend vacation time searching for what you need.

Medical Records:
If you have significant medical problems, take along a copy of your records and tests. These could be extremely helpful if you need a doctor onboard. Do this at least two weeks prior to cruising, three if you can. It may take a week or so for your doctor or other medical groups to provide this information to you.

Pets:

At least two to three weeks before departure, arrange for pet care, whether in your home or by boarding your animals. Put any instructions in writing and include pet care insurance documents and vaccination certificates for the caregiver. Contact your veterinarian and make sure he or she understands that you have designated a particular person to act on your behalf while you're gone. If necessary, draw up a power of attorney so that person can legally make decisions about the pet on your behalf.

Arrange for Airport Transfers:

On a long cruise, you may want to book an airport shuttle transfer (leave plenty of time if you are booked with others it could take an extra 60-90 minutes if the shuttle stops to pick up multiple people) or a limo ride. If you're booking a car pick-up with a local limo company be sure you have your travel agent do so at least two weeks in advance. Book even further out if your required transport falls during a major event period like prom season, Mardi Gras or Super Bowl. One suggestion is to book a hotel at the airport your are departing from. Travel Agents sell packages for these hotels that will include the shuttle to and from the airport as well as free parking for the time you are away.

Exerts of article taken from ETurboNews

Top 10 Tips for Family Vacations

Top 10 Tips for a Perfect Family Vacation

Remember back when…you were just a child, and mom and dad whisked you and your siblings away on that much-anticipated family vacation every year? Now, it’s your turn to do the planning and lead the way. Your next family vacation can be a time to de-stress and unwind…to expand your horizons and experience something new…and most importantly, to bond with family members. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your precious vacation time together – and make wonderful memories that last a lifetime:
1. Involve all family members in the planning and decision-making process. That way, everyone will feel that it’s their vacation, too, and all will be more likely to do their best to make it a success.
2. Look for resorts and destinations that are kid-friendly, with plenty of activities, a kids’ program and a kids’ menu. All-inclusive resorts and cruises simplify planning and offer activities that appeal to the whole family.
3. Get the advice of your local travel agent. Whether your trip is across the state or around the world, there will be someone at your hometown travel agency who can offer personal experiences and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable for everyone. And while away, keep the phone number of your travel agent handy, just in case an unexpected situation arises that you need help with.
4. When staying in a hotel, request “connecting” rather than “adjoining” rooms. Adjoining rooms are side-by-side, but do not always have a door that connects the rooms to each other.
5. Book flights well in advance so that you can get the best prices and most convenient arrangements. When possible, opt for non-stop flights even if it costs more. The stress of regrouping a family after members run to the bathroom, visit gift shops and food stands is rarely worth the few dollars you might save
6. Create a “buddy system” so that no one will get lost or left behind. If possible, supply each family member with a cell phone or pager
7. Pack just a few favorite toys and books along with plenty of snacks. Don’t forget a familiar blanket for the little ones. Freeze juice boxes if you’ll be taking a long flight or walking around all day.
8. Encourage teens to pack books, snacks and CDs or cassette headsets in carry-on luggage. If possible, let them bring a friend along.
9. Factor in some downtime so that individuals have the opportunity to pursue their own interests. Don’t attempt to do everything together. Giving everyone their own space can go a long way toward promoting group harmony
10. Remember that no matter how meticulously you plan, you can’t please everyone all the time. Just enjoy your time with each other, and remember to bring along your sense of humor.



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Carnival Announce Year Round Cruises From Baltimore

Carnival says it'll begin year-round cruising out of the port of Baltimore in September, 2009 on the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride, the first from any line
to be based year-round in the city.



The 88,500-ton vessel, will sail two different week-long itineraries departing on Sundays:

-- An Eastern Caribbean itinerary that will include calls at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay; and Freeport, the Bahamas. And, a Bahamas/Florida itinerary that will include calls at Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Nassau and Freeport, the Bahamas.

Baltimore will become the 11th port where Carnival operates year-round, joining such cities as Miami, New Orleans and San Diego. But the deployment marks the first time the line has ventured north of Florida with a ship year-round. Until now, the furthest north Carnival had placed a ship year-round was Jacksonville, Fla.

Carnival and other major lines have been moving aggressively in recent years to position ships in a larger variety of cities so that a more customers can reach them by car instead of airplane. “Today’s consumers are more value-conscious than ever," Carnival president and CEO Gerry Cahill says in a statement. "Considering that Baltimore is within a day’s drive for millions of Northeastern U.S. residents, these new seven-day voyages provide a convenient and affordable vacation option."The line notes that 40 million people live within a six-hour drive of Baltimore.

Interested in booking? Contact us today at 800-229-7228 or visit our website for their itineraries

The United Kingdom 101

The UK is made up of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland, and is one of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) although it is not on the Euro but the Pound Sterling. The Capital cities are London – England, Edinburgh – Scotland, Cardiff – Wales, Belfast – Northern Ireland. The population of The UK is approximately 60.6 million, broken down to be England 50,714,000; Wales 2,977,000; Scotland 5,108,000; Northern Ireland 1,733,000.


The two official languages in Britain are English and Welsh, English being the most widely spoken. Scottish Gaelic is also spoken in some parts of Scotland. And in some parts of Scotland it would seem they are speaking a different language all together, but it is English. The People are just wonderful. The United Kingdom is a very diverse but tolerant nation, with a strong culture of racial integration and unity and a very gay friendly desitnation. Although fish and chips is widely associated as a typical UK meal, Curry is their number one meal. Most people are Christian (71%), although all other including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism are freely practiced. About 23% of Britain follow no particular religion. The UK is a constitutional that is a representative democracy, where Queen Elizabeth II is recognized as the head of state, and the elected Prime Minister – Gordon Brown – is the head of. The UK is a leading trading power and a financial centre. Agriculture is an important industry and highly efficient. Primary energy, like coal and oil, are major contributors to the economy, but services like banking and insurance are the greatest contributors. Their pound is very strong against the U.S. Dollar and now isn’t a very good time to visit the UK, although it would be a great time to come to the United States from Great Britain. You could come with empty suitcases and make out on the deal!


Britain has a fairly temperate and is sometimes overcast. The weather can vary greatly from day to day, but generally summer (June-August) is a warm 25 to 87 °F, and winter (December-February) is a cool 34-45 °F. Winter is the best time to visit for travel deals but it's rather dismal during the winter months in many locations of the United Kingdom, particularly London but in others you can see a range of temps much higher than the norm (SouthWest England).


My husband and I are Brit Agents with Travel Concepts International. We’ve been to London over a dozen times and have driven through and a great deal of England, Scotland and Ireland and visited many of their cities.
Although it’s London we keep returning to, it’s Scotland’s Isle of Skye that we absolutely love. Because of It’s mystical quality, I believe that if there is an Avalon, it’s certainly on Skye. If you are interested in a Scotland or United Kingdom holiday, you can contact us at Travel Concepts.


Post submitted by Diane Pajak