This week has been a busy one for cruise lines. Hurricane Irene has disrupted many cruise itineraries and stranded some people trying to get to their cruise. You never know when an act of God or force of nature will interrupt of disrupt your vacation. So what do you do? Be Prepared.
Hurricane season is May through the end of November. Does this mean you shouldn't travel during this time? Of course not. It just means you travel prepared. It means purchase trip insurance. As we discussed in a previous blog, travel insurance doesn't cover fear or stupidity (said with a wink and a smile). If you are afraid a hurricane might crop up and you just don't want to go, it's not going to reimburse your cruise cancellation penalties. However, if you are in route to your trip and flights are delayed, or the ship has to leave port early (we'll talk about this later), it will cover hotel and food costs until you reach your destination. Insurance is insurance whether for your home, car or trip. There are restrictions so be sure to ask your travel agent exactly what is covered and how much.
Another way to be prepared is to check the weather a week before you travel. Be aware of where you are going and where any possible weather issues might be. If the weather map for Cozumel shows rain, take a rain poncho or umbrella. I carry a rain poncho in my suitcase at all times. $1.00 at Dollar General. When my trip is over, I throw it away.
As we saw this week, a cruise ship will get out of the way of a hurricane. The Captain and his crew have incredible radars and will be in constant contact with the National Weather Service for updates on any weather at sea. They WILL NOT, put you, their crew and staff, or their multi-million dollar ship in harms way. Please notice that YOU are first. They want you safe. That means in calm waters, sunny skies and warm beaches. You are safer at sea than on land. The ship can and will move out of the way of a hurricane. If you miss a port, at least you are safe. The Captain can and will change any itinerary without notice if they feel it is necessary, and they don't owe you compensation. Don't complain...say thank you.
I was on a 7 day cruise where we were supposed to go to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau. We were told when we boarded the ship that the Captain was watching the weather and a tropical storm was forming very near St. Thomas. On the second day, he announced the storm was picking up strength and was now classified as a hurricane. For our safety, we would be altering the course to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. One woman was supposed to get married on the beach in St. Thomas. She threw a fit like I have never seen. She screamed and yelled at every officer she saw. She even started a petition demanding the captain turn around and go to St. Thomas. Seriously? She thought in the middle of a hurricane she would still be able to get married on the beach? By the third day, several of us were ready to lower a lifeboat, put her in it and send her off to St. Thomas. The Captain knows what he's doing, so trust him to keep you safe.
Let's talk again about passports. This week as Hurricane Irene approached Puerto Rico, the port authorities in San Juan elected to close the port. The Carnival Victory was scheduled to leave at 10pm that evening. Because of the port closure, they had to leave earlier. About 300 people had not yet arrived (another reason to fly in the day before). Carnival had no choice but to leave without them. They did however leave a staff member behind to assist the guests when they did arrive. They put them up in a hotel and helped them arrange a flight to Barbados, the first port of call on the cruise. The hotel and flight was at the clients expense (it wasn't Carnival's fault they missed the ship), but travel insurance will reimburse them, if they purchased insurance. Around 100 of the people who missed the ship did not have passports. Guess what? They couldn't fly to Barbados without a passport. They had to fly home and forfeit their cruise. This is one of those 'what if' scenarios. You never know what might happen, so get your passport and don't scare the travel agent.
I never, ever travel without Bonine. It is my preventive sea sick medicine. When the seas are rough due to a tropical storm, or high winds, that ship can really rock. Taking one Bonine tablet every day helps me stay upright. I also carry Sea Bands for those really rough seas, which look like sweat bands with a knob that acts as a pressure point on your wrist. It works very well in keeping your equilibrium balanced. If you find yourself in rough seas, try to stay in the center of the ship, or the back. The front of the ship is the first to hit those waves and can be a little rougher than other places. Also, stay outside if you can look at the horizon. That helps ground you as well.
Part of being prepared is knowing where you're going. Get a map. Notice where St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau are. How close is Jamaica to Grand Cayman? What other islands are close by that you might see on the way there? Be an informed traveler. Do some research on your own. Know what activities there are and what safety concerns. Common Sense. If you read that there are riots in Kingston, Jamaica, don't cancel your cruise that stops in Montego Bay. Look at a map and realize Mo'Bay is on the other side of the island. You wouldn't cancel a trip to Chicago because of the earthquake in Virginia would you? The cruise line will not go anywhere that is dangerous. Your travel agent will not sell a trip to a destination that isn't safe (unless you absolutely insist, and then you sign my "I told you so!" form.
Be smart, be prepared, and I'll SEA YA next week.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Essential Items for Cruising
Has the information in previous blogs convinced you to try a cruise? Do you wonder what to do, take or have in order to have a fabulous vacation on an incredible ship (other than a great travel agent such as the ones at www.bhtravel.com)? Here's my list:
1. Travel Insurance. I encourage all my clients to purchase travel insurance whether it is a quick trip to Mexico for a weekend or a 12 day Europe cruise. We have seen so many trips interrupted or canceled through no fault of the traveler. The volcano eruption in Greenland last year caused flights to be cancelled in Europe. Cruise lines were not affected, but clients couldn't get to the cruise ship. Cruise lines said "we're sorry you missed your cruise, but there is no refund." Travel Insurance companies said "We're sorry for the inconvenience, but it wasn't your fault you couldn't get there. We'll refund the cost of your trip." Flights are cancelled due to weather or mechanical failure on a daily basis. This could cause you to miss your ship. When that happens, you are required to fly to the first port of call on the cruise to meet the ship. At your own expense. Travel insurance will reimburse you. It also covers medical emergencies, cancelling your trip due to illness, injury or death in the family. Did you know that to be air lifted off a cruise ship costs $50,000? What if you get sick while on your trip, or an emergency at home forces you to leave the ship and fly home? Keep all receipts and I'll help you fill out the claim form when you get back.
Travel Insurance also covers what I like to call "the stupid stuff". I have had clients leave a $400 camera in a taxi on the way to an excursion. Another client lost her glasses while sitting on the top deck of a tour trolley. You can enjoy your vacation knowing you are covered for the 'what ifs'. The cost of the insurance is based on your age and the total cost of your trip. Children under 17 are covered under the parents policy at no additional charge.
2. Bonine. The biggest concern I hear regarding cruises is sea sickness. I have been sea sick. It is the worst feeling and there is no cure for it. Once you're sick, you're sick. Bonine is my secret weapon, although it's not so secret anymore since I tell all cruise clients. This is an over the counter medicine found next to Dramamine in drug stores, Wal Mart and Target. The difference between Bonine and Dramamine is that Bonine doesn't make you sleepy. I start taking it about 2 days before my trip and take one tablet every day while on my vacation. I even take it when I fly in case we hit turbulence.
The good thing is that most people don't get sea sick. If you ride the upside down, wrong side out rides at the fair, you probably won't get sick. I can't ride backwards. If I'm facing one direction and the ship is moving in the opposite direction, I can tell. So with my Bonine and being aware of which direction the ship is moving, I have conquered sea sickness. Another tip is to eat every time they feed you. A full stomach helps with the queasiness.
3. Alarm Clock. You are on vacation so there are no clocks in the rooms. Or around the ship for that matter. I don't like watches, but I take one on a cruise (or buy one in the $10 shop on the ship the first night). You may want to take a travel alarm clock for your room so you don't miss your excursion, or sleep past dinner. You can always call the Guest Service Desk and ask for a wake up call. Something I do when I know I need to be up at a certain time is hang out the breakfast card for my coffee and danish to be delivered at a certain time the next morning. That room service is my wake up call. Side note...always tip the room service waiter. $2 is about normal, but if you've ordered breakfast for 4, tip accordingly.
4. Passport. We covered this is a previous blog, but it bears repeating. Please, PLEASE get a passport if you don't have one. It is so much easier to travel with a passport than a birth certificate, marriage license, and drivers license. Make a photo copy of your passport and keep it in a separate location from your passport. Leave a copy with a loved one at home or your travel agent. If your passport is lost or stolen, having the copy will make the process of getting a new one a lot easier. Be sure to get a passport BOOK, not a passport CARD. As we discussed previously, a passport card is only good for driving into Mexico or Canada. You cannot fly without a passport book. Be sure to get the right one.
5. Have a good travel agent. I saved this one for last because it is a pet peeve of mine and every other legitimate, professional travel agent. We get calls at least once a week from someone who booked online or called the cruise line direct asking us for information, or to fix something someone else messed up. We can't fix anything if we didn't book it. Good luck getting a real person on the phone with Travelocity. Travel agents get the same prices as you find online. The very same prices. We may even know about discounts that are not posted online. Not only do you get a good deal, you're dealing with a real person in your own area. I put together cruise documents in a nice folder along with tips for cruising safely, information on the ports of call you'll be visiting, and luggage tags. I arrange air, pre night hotel, limo or car service to take you from the airport to the pier, make sure your dining times are confirmed, and even tell you what to eat for dinner!! I'm there to follow up on your trip, answer questions, help you fill out insurance claims and post your pictures on our face book page. As the saying goes, "Without a travel agent, you're on your own".
If you haven't already, subscribe to this blog (follow, whatever) to have it delivered to your email. You can also 'like' our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/BentleyHedgesTravel.
Watch our website www.bhtravel.com for news about the World's Largest Cruise Week October 17-23. There will be lots of specials, discounts and presentations that week.
If I've almost got you convinced to cruise, but you're still a little uneasy, go with me. I will be escorting a 5 day cruise from Boston to Canada June 18, 2012. Prices start at $485 per person including port charges, taxes and fees. Cruise with an expert and get your sea legs.
Until next time.....SEA YA!
1. Travel Insurance. I encourage all my clients to purchase travel insurance whether it is a quick trip to Mexico for a weekend or a 12 day Europe cruise. We have seen so many trips interrupted or canceled through no fault of the traveler. The volcano eruption in Greenland last year caused flights to be cancelled in Europe. Cruise lines were not affected, but clients couldn't get to the cruise ship. Cruise lines said "we're sorry you missed your cruise, but there is no refund." Travel Insurance companies said "We're sorry for the inconvenience, but it wasn't your fault you couldn't get there. We'll refund the cost of your trip." Flights are cancelled due to weather or mechanical failure on a daily basis. This could cause you to miss your ship. When that happens, you are required to fly to the first port of call on the cruise to meet the ship. At your own expense. Travel insurance will reimburse you. It also covers medical emergencies, cancelling your trip due to illness, injury or death in the family. Did you know that to be air lifted off a cruise ship costs $50,000? What if you get sick while on your trip, or an emergency at home forces you to leave the ship and fly home? Keep all receipts and I'll help you fill out the claim form when you get back.
Travel Insurance also covers what I like to call "the stupid stuff". I have had clients leave a $400 camera in a taxi on the way to an excursion. Another client lost her glasses while sitting on the top deck of a tour trolley. You can enjoy your vacation knowing you are covered for the 'what ifs'. The cost of the insurance is based on your age and the total cost of your trip. Children under 17 are covered under the parents policy at no additional charge.
2. Bonine. The biggest concern I hear regarding cruises is sea sickness. I have been sea sick. It is the worst feeling and there is no cure for it. Once you're sick, you're sick. Bonine is my secret weapon, although it's not so secret anymore since I tell all cruise clients. This is an over the counter medicine found next to Dramamine in drug stores, Wal Mart and Target. The difference between Bonine and Dramamine is that Bonine doesn't make you sleepy. I start taking it about 2 days before my trip and take one tablet every day while on my vacation. I even take it when I fly in case we hit turbulence.
The good thing is that most people don't get sea sick. If you ride the upside down, wrong side out rides at the fair, you probably won't get sick. I can't ride backwards. If I'm facing one direction and the ship is moving in the opposite direction, I can tell. So with my Bonine and being aware of which direction the ship is moving, I have conquered sea sickness. Another tip is to eat every time they feed you. A full stomach helps with the queasiness.
3. Alarm Clock. You are on vacation so there are no clocks in the rooms. Or around the ship for that matter. I don't like watches, but I take one on a cruise (or buy one in the $10 shop on the ship the first night). You may want to take a travel alarm clock for your room so you don't miss your excursion, or sleep past dinner. You can always call the Guest Service Desk and ask for a wake up call. Something I do when I know I need to be up at a certain time is hang out the breakfast card for my coffee and danish to be delivered at a certain time the next morning. That room service is my wake up call. Side note...always tip the room service waiter. $2 is about normal, but if you've ordered breakfast for 4, tip accordingly.
4. Passport. We covered this is a previous blog, but it bears repeating. Please, PLEASE get a passport if you don't have one. It is so much easier to travel with a passport than a birth certificate, marriage license, and drivers license. Make a photo copy of your passport and keep it in a separate location from your passport. Leave a copy with a loved one at home or your travel agent. If your passport is lost or stolen, having the copy will make the process of getting a new one a lot easier. Be sure to get a passport BOOK, not a passport CARD. As we discussed previously, a passport card is only good for driving into Mexico or Canada. You cannot fly without a passport book. Be sure to get the right one.
5. Have a good travel agent. I saved this one for last because it is a pet peeve of mine and every other legitimate, professional travel agent. We get calls at least once a week from someone who booked online or called the cruise line direct asking us for information, or to fix something someone else messed up. We can't fix anything if we didn't book it. Good luck getting a real person on the phone with Travelocity. Travel agents get the same prices as you find online. The very same prices. We may even know about discounts that are not posted online. Not only do you get a good deal, you're dealing with a real person in your own area. I put together cruise documents in a nice folder along with tips for cruising safely, information on the ports of call you'll be visiting, and luggage tags. I arrange air, pre night hotel, limo or car service to take you from the airport to the pier, make sure your dining times are confirmed, and even tell you what to eat for dinner!! I'm there to follow up on your trip, answer questions, help you fill out insurance claims and post your pictures on our face book page. As the saying goes, "Without a travel agent, you're on your own".
If you haven't already, subscribe to this blog (follow, whatever) to have it delivered to your email. You can also 'like' our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/BentleyHedgesTravel.
Watch our website www.bhtravel.com for news about the World's Largest Cruise Week October 17-23. There will be lots of specials, discounts and presentations that week.
If I've almost got you convinced to cruise, but you're still a little uneasy, go with me. I will be escorting a 5 day cruise from Boston to Canada June 18, 2012. Prices start at $485 per person including port charges, taxes and fees. Cruise with an expert and get your sea legs.
Until next time.....SEA YA!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Why Cruise??
One of the most popular questions I answer is "Why should I take a cruise?" Why not just go to Cancun or Jamaica for a week? This week, I will dis-spell some myths and hopefully give you some great reasons to try a cruise on your next vacation.
Myths:
1 Cruises are for the newly wed or the nearly dead.
FALSE! While you will see honeymooners and seniors on cruises, there are plenty of age groups and something for everyone. Did you know the average age of a cruiser on the mass market ships (Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian) is 48 years old? With all the activities on board, there truly is something for everyone.
2. There's nothing for my kids to do.
Oh boy! I have a copy of the Camp Carnival activity sheet at my desk to show parents just how much there is to do for kids. (It has new, upgraded names now but it will always be Camp Carnival to me!) Each child will be in a 'class' with other kids their age from 3-17 years old. Most major cruise line have children's programs. There are licensed and trained 'counselors' for each group who will supervise activities like a Treasure Hunt (little ones dress up like pirates), wii games, video arcade, pizza party, slumber parties (allowing parents some night time fun) and more. Best part? It's FREE!! Each ship will have at least 2 pools, one with water works and slide. 24 hour pizza and ice cream can be found on the Lido deck, as well as hot dogs, chicken nuggets, hamburgers and fries.
3. I'll be bored.
I'd like to know how. Each day, the cruise director and his staff have multiple activities including bingo, trivia contests, wine tasting, art auctions, pool games, shopping and shore excursion talks and dance classes, just to name a few. There is a casino, a spa and fitness center, pool, and on some ships, an adult only pool/whirlpool section for quiet, relaxing sunbathing. There are several bars offering 'drink of the day' specials, and lounges with a variety of entertainment offered at night. And don't miss the big production shows in the Main Show Lounge where you might see a juggler, comedian, Broadway Show or Las Vegas Review.
4. I'll get sick.
Most people don't. If you don't get car sick, you probably won't get sea sick. I do. Yes, I get sea sick. I still have a bag packed for a cruise at the drop of a hat. I love being on the ocean. It took me 3 cruises, however, to find out why I get sick and to eliminate it. It's a wonderful drug (over the counter) called Bonine. You find it at Walgreens, Wal Mart or CVS, right next to the Dramamine. Bonine doesn't make you sleepy. I take one pill a day, starting a day or two before my cruise and I take it every day. Works like a charm. I also can't ride backwards. I have to be careful to sit facing the front of the ship or my stomach will quickly tell me I'm "going the wrong way". Another way to prevent getting sick is to eat. It's important to have a good meal the night before your cruise and get a good night's rest. There is a reason the cruise line feeds you 14 times a day. With a full stomach, you're less likely to get sick. Which brings up the last point.
5. I'll gain weight.
I loose 5-7 pounds on every cruise. Does everyone? Maybe not. But I have found that when I cruise, I eat at regular times, 3 times a day, and don't snack as much. Plus, I walk. A lot! From where you are to where you need to be is at the other end of the ship and 4 decks up. A tip from a Master Cruise Counselor with 17 cruises under her belt, is take the elevator up (if going more than 2 decks) and walk down. It's easier walking down than up.
Cruising is a wonderful way to see many destinations in one trip. No packing and unpacking. No worrying about local currency or language. All meals, entertainment, and of course that wonderful bed in your stateroom is included in your cruise price. All in US dollars. We will explore some of these wonderful places in the next blog.
In the meantime, I'd like to hear from you. What are some of your cruise memories?
Watch our website for information on National Cruise Vacation Week October 17-23. Lots of specials.
http://www.bhtravel.com/.
Until next week, SEA ya!
Myths:
1 Cruises are for the newly wed or the nearly dead.
FALSE! While you will see honeymooners and seniors on cruises, there are plenty of age groups and something for everyone. Did you know the average age of a cruiser on the mass market ships (Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian) is 48 years old? With all the activities on board, there truly is something for everyone.
2. There's nothing for my kids to do.
Oh boy! I have a copy of the Camp Carnival activity sheet at my desk to show parents just how much there is to do for kids. (It has new, upgraded names now but it will always be Camp Carnival to me!) Each child will be in a 'class' with other kids their age from 3-17 years old. Most major cruise line have children's programs. There are licensed and trained 'counselors' for each group who will supervise activities like a Treasure Hunt (little ones dress up like pirates), wii games, video arcade, pizza party, slumber parties (allowing parents some night time fun) and more. Best part? It's FREE!! Each ship will have at least 2 pools, one with water works and slide. 24 hour pizza and ice cream can be found on the Lido deck, as well as hot dogs, chicken nuggets, hamburgers and fries.
3. I'll be bored.
I'd like to know how. Each day, the cruise director and his staff have multiple activities including bingo, trivia contests, wine tasting, art auctions, pool games, shopping and shore excursion talks and dance classes, just to name a few. There is a casino, a spa and fitness center, pool, and on some ships, an adult only pool/whirlpool section for quiet, relaxing sunbathing. There are several bars offering 'drink of the day' specials, and lounges with a variety of entertainment offered at night. And don't miss the big production shows in the Main Show Lounge where you might see a juggler, comedian, Broadway Show or Las Vegas Review.
4. I'll get sick.
Most people don't. If you don't get car sick, you probably won't get sea sick. I do. Yes, I get sea sick. I still have a bag packed for a cruise at the drop of a hat. I love being on the ocean. It took me 3 cruises, however, to find out why I get sick and to eliminate it. It's a wonderful drug (over the counter) called Bonine. You find it at Walgreens, Wal Mart or CVS, right next to the Dramamine. Bonine doesn't make you sleepy. I take one pill a day, starting a day or two before my cruise and I take it every day. Works like a charm. I also can't ride backwards. I have to be careful to sit facing the front of the ship or my stomach will quickly tell me I'm "going the wrong way". Another way to prevent getting sick is to eat. It's important to have a good meal the night before your cruise and get a good night's rest. There is a reason the cruise line feeds you 14 times a day. With a full stomach, you're less likely to get sick. Which brings up the last point.
5. I'll gain weight.
I loose 5-7 pounds on every cruise. Does everyone? Maybe not. But I have found that when I cruise, I eat at regular times, 3 times a day, and don't snack as much. Plus, I walk. A lot! From where you are to where you need to be is at the other end of the ship and 4 decks up. A tip from a Master Cruise Counselor with 17 cruises under her belt, is take the elevator up (if going more than 2 decks) and walk down. It's easier walking down than up.
Cruising is a wonderful way to see many destinations in one trip. No packing and unpacking. No worrying about local currency or language. All meals, entertainment, and of course that wonderful bed in your stateroom is included in your cruise price. All in US dollars. We will explore some of these wonderful places in the next blog.
In the meantime, I'd like to hear from you. What are some of your cruise memories?
Watch our website for information on National Cruise Vacation Week October 17-23. Lots of specials.
http://www.bhtravel.com/.
Until next week, SEA ya!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What's the Deal with Passports?
This week, I'll tackle the delima of passports. How one little book can cause so much confusion is a mystery, but I'll try to simplify it.
1. At this time, (notice I said "AT THIS TIME", because in the travel industry, things change daily), you do NOT need a passport to cruise IF the cruise leaves from and returns to the same US port of call. Meaning, if you sailing out of Galveston and return to Galveston, you don't need a passport. If you leave from Miami, sail through the Panama Canal and end your cruise in San Diego, you DO need a passport. If you don't have a passport for the closed loop cruise (Galveston to Galveston), you'll need a certified copy of your birth certificate (raised seal or multi-colored stamp-not the hospital copy with your footprints), and a valid, state issued ID card (drivers license). If you have changed your name from that on your birth certificate (if you got married or had your name legally changed, you may want to take a copy of your marriage license or other court document to prove the name change from birth certificate to drivers license). All travel documents, cruise ticket, airline reservation, hotel confirmation, etc must match the name exactly.
While you may not need a passport, it is highly recommended that you get one. They are valid for 10 years and are so much easier to present for check-in than carrying all the above. Why get a passport if you don't need one? Here's why:
If you miss the ship due to cancelled flights, or travel delays, you will need to fly to the first port of call to meet the ship. If your first port of call is Jamaica, you can't fly to Jamaica without a passport. Also, if you are on the ship and have to leave in the middle of your cruise to get home for a family emergency, you can't fly without a passport. If you experience a medical emergency, sprain an ankle climbing Dunn's River Falls and miss the ship, you can't fly to the next port without a passport. See why that $140 is money well spent? Peace of Mind.
2. When you apply for a passport (you can fill out the application online at http://www.travel.state.gov/) be sure you fill out the correct form. Last week, I had 3 clients call me with passport numbers only to realize they got a passport card, not the passport book. Big deal? Oh yeah!
While a passport card is less expensive, it is ONLY good for land travel across the border to Canada and Mexico. It is NOT valid for air travel. If you were in El Paso and decided to drive into Mexico, you could use a passport card. If you are visiting family in Seattle and decide to go into Vancouver for the day, you could show a passport card. If while you are there, you decide to fly home, you can't.
The passport book is valid for all travel outside the US. It doesn't matter if you drive, cruise, or fly. See why it's the better value?
We at Bentley Hedges Travel are travel professionals. We can help you plan your trip, and make sure you know what documentation you need. You won't get personal service from on online company. Trust your vacation to the experts. Email us at veann@bhtravel.com or check out our website at http://www.bhtravel.com/.
I'll SEA ya next week!
1. At this time, (notice I said "AT THIS TIME", because in the travel industry, things change daily), you do NOT need a passport to cruise IF the cruise leaves from and returns to the same US port of call. Meaning, if you sailing out of Galveston and return to Galveston, you don't need a passport. If you leave from Miami, sail through the Panama Canal and end your cruise in San Diego, you DO need a passport. If you don't have a passport for the closed loop cruise (Galveston to Galveston), you'll need a certified copy of your birth certificate (raised seal or multi-colored stamp-not the hospital copy with your footprints), and a valid, state issued ID card (drivers license). If you have changed your name from that on your birth certificate (if you got married or had your name legally changed, you may want to take a copy of your marriage license or other court document to prove the name change from birth certificate to drivers license). All travel documents, cruise ticket, airline reservation, hotel confirmation, etc must match the name exactly.
While you may not need a passport, it is highly recommended that you get one. They are valid for 10 years and are so much easier to present for check-in than carrying all the above. Why get a passport if you don't need one? Here's why:
If you miss the ship due to cancelled flights, or travel delays, you will need to fly to the first port of call to meet the ship. If your first port of call is Jamaica, you can't fly to Jamaica without a passport. Also, if you are on the ship and have to leave in the middle of your cruise to get home for a family emergency, you can't fly without a passport. If you experience a medical emergency, sprain an ankle climbing Dunn's River Falls and miss the ship, you can't fly to the next port without a passport. See why that $140 is money well spent? Peace of Mind.
2. When you apply for a passport (you can fill out the application online at http://www.travel.state.gov/) be sure you fill out the correct form. Last week, I had 3 clients call me with passport numbers only to realize they got a passport card, not the passport book. Big deal? Oh yeah!
While a passport card is less expensive, it is ONLY good for land travel across the border to Canada and Mexico. It is NOT valid for air travel. If you were in El Paso and decided to drive into Mexico, you could use a passport card. If you are visiting family in Seattle and decide to go into Vancouver for the day, you could show a passport card. If while you are there, you decide to fly home, you can't.
The passport book is valid for all travel outside the US. It doesn't matter if you drive, cruise, or fly. See why it's the better value?
We at Bentley Hedges Travel are travel professionals. We can help you plan your trip, and make sure you know what documentation you need. You won't get personal service from on online company. Trust your vacation to the experts. Email us at veann@bhtravel.com or check out our website at http://www.bhtravel.com/.
I'll SEA ya next week!
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