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".
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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!
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