CRUISE TIP OF THE MONTH

Traveling with 5 or More People? The maximum number of passengers most cruise ship cabins can accommodate is 4 people. If you need to get two cabins, consider getting a balcony cabin and have the second cabin be an interior cabin across the hall. This way the cost will be reduced for the second cabin (interiors are always cheaper than outside or Veranda cabins). In addition, the people in the second cabin will be close enough to keep an eye on (if they are kids) and close enough to take advantage of the balcony.

PASSPORT UPDATE 10/14/06- It now appears that the US Government has changed the rules again. There was a December 31, 2006 deadline which required a passport for all international travel. That deadline has been changed for  cruise passengers only. The date requiring passengers to have passports has been extended to June 1, 2009 for cruise passengers disembarking in the US - arriving  from the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada or Bermuda. Arrivals from all other destinations or disembarking in other countries requires a passport for re-entry into the US.

My recommendation is get a passport ASAP and avoid any confusion. If you have any question, need more details or more information contact the US National Passport Information Center 1-877-487-2778 or visit the State Departments  travel website at www.travel.state.gov.

Don’t forget that many cruise lines are owned by the same parent company, and recognize the past passenger discounts and perks of their sister companies. For example, Holland America, Cunard, Princess, Costa, Seabourn and Carnival are all owned by Carnival Corporation. If you sailed with any of these lines, you may be qualified for a past passenger discount on any of the brands. Royal Caribbean International owns the Celebrity brand as well as the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Star Groups owns Star Cruises, NCL, NCL America and Orient Lines. When making a reservation or workings with a travel agent, ask about past passenger discounts and inform them of your past cruises – you never know.

UNPLEASANT WEATHER - No one likes bad weather on their vacation, but you should always be prepared. It is not unusual for many Caribbean Islands to have a brief passing rain storm. Be sure to pack a rain poncho or umbrella. The Rain poncho takes very little space in the suit case and can come in very handy.

PROTECTING IMPORTANT PAPERS - It is recommended that you make copies of important documents such as your passport, credit cards and driver's license. The copies should be taken along and carried separately. (Do not place these items in checked bags.) Once onboard the ship, store these items in your cabin's  safe. If you loose the originals, the photocopies will make obtaining replacements and proving your identity much easier.

AVOID THE CROWDS - The New York City Passenger Terminal can be crowded, especially on the weekends, when multiple, large cruise ships can be in the port. It is best to arrive at the pier 45 minutes to an hour before boarding starts. The benefits are: 1) sometimes the cruise lines start boarding earlier 2) the earlier you arrive the more time you can spend on board 3) the wait should be shorter to board the ship.

PACK AN EFFECTIVE OVERNIGHT BAG - If you are flying to your cruise departure point, be sure to pack at least a change of clothes, medications, toiletries & valuables in a separate carry-on. There have been instances where the airlines have lost people's luggage and people have had to wait until the first port of call to be re-united with their luggage.

KNOW THE RISK OF BUYING YOUR OWN AIRFARE - Did you know that when you buy your own airfare for a cruise, the cruise line has no obligation to get you to the ship should your flight be cancelled/delayed and you miss the ship? Well it is true. I recommend that, if you decide to purchase your own airfare, plan on arriving at your departure port at least 1 day in advance.

GET FREE INTERNET ACCESS - Did you know that most public libraries have free (or reasonable) internet access? Rather than spend big dollars on-board ship, you can use the library's access to send emails home. (Please note this is not available in all ports - so check with the information desk on-board before seeking out the libraries)

BEST TIME TO GET THE BEST DEALS - If you are flexible and can travel at any time, you can usually get the best deals on cruises (and most other vacations), if you travel the first 2 weeks of December.