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Travel Blog
A Cruise Has an Unexpected Extension 12/30/2005 10:16:31 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment With travel, as with life in general, there are always surprises around the corner. This article was written in the December 19 edition of Travel Age West Magazine. The writer is Maryann Hammers.
Who would have imagined that such events could affect a luxury cruise? There are two important things to note in the article.
First, as she mentions, for those people who purchased their airfare through the cruise line, Crystal took care of arranging their return flight arrangements. Those who booked their own airfare definitely had a difficult and stressful time. Sure they may have saved a few bucks at the outset, but part of what you are paying for when buying the full air/sea package for a cruise is that the cruise line assumes start to finish responsibility for your arrangements.
Second, notice the reference to travel insurance. As an experienced travel agent, I always (strongly) recommend travel insurance to my clients. When an event like this happens, you can expect to pay some significant charges to recover. With travel insurance, most, if not all, expenses related to your “trip delay” are covered, at least to a policy maximum. Most of my experienced traveler clients insist on travel insurance. it is not something I have to sell to them. On you next trip please ask your travel agent about travel insurance. You never think you will need it, but when you do, it pays for itself many times over.
” Stuck at Sea
A strike at Spanish ports prevents a ship from docking in Barcelona.
On the night of Oct. 24, we were scheduled to disembark before dawn in Barcelona, the last stop of our 11-day Mediterranean cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity. I had already thanked my waiters and room stewards and exchanged business cards and phone numbers with new friends. My bulging suitcase had been picked up from outside my stateroom. And now, as the ship’s television offered disembarking instruction and flashed images of smiling crewmembers and staff waving goodbye, I found myself wishing the nearly perfect cruise didn’t have to end.
Be careful what you wish for. The next morning, I found a note under my stateroom door.
“Dear Guest: We have been informed that a sudden fishermen’s strike in Spain is blocking all ships from entering all ports along the Spanish mainland. Unfortunately, this is preventing Crystal Serenity from making her scheduled turnaround call in Barcelona (or any nearby Spanish port) . .
Please understand this situation is beyond our control . . .”
And so the cruise wasn’t coming to an immediate end, after all.
October 25
The next day another note explained that we were now headed to Port Vendres, France, where we would be tendered to shore and transported by motorcoach to Barcelona. But it turned out we couldn’t get clearance to dock there, either. And so we sailed back to Barcelona in hopes of waiting out the fishermen protesting rising fuel prices. We spent the day anchored off shore – close enough to see the twinkling city lights.
Of course, the Serenity was not the only ship affected by the strike. From our veranda, we saw dozens of boats, big and small, all around us. According to the online news reports, other stuck vessels included Costa Magica, Eurostar Barcelona and the ferry Murillo — and a tanker carrying sulphuric acids and nitrogen. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas and Carnival’s Liberty were also disrupted.
As prospects for disembarkation dimmed, our luggage was returned to our staterooms. The Serenity’s staff and crew quickly rose to the occasion, offering an impressive list of activities, including an impromptu “2nd Farewell Variety Show.”
Room service and housekeeping were restored; wine and cocktails flowed freely thanks to a now-open bar, the spa began offering a 20 percent discount, and Internet access was now free, although phones were not available.
October 26
Passengers took the unexpected extra sea days in stride and mostly in good humor. We began greeting each other in mock-surprise: “Are you still here?”
A woman cracked that she heard the dining room was down to its last 20,000 bottles of wine. Another person said worriedly, “Well, they did run out of chicken sausage at breakfast. And have you noticed that ice-cream scoops are getting smaller?”
But behind the joking, the stress was palpable. Passengers crowded into the computer room clamoring to contact employers, family and travel agents. Some folks frantically booked new flights and made new hotel reservations — even though we didn’t yet know when or where we would finally disembark. We were truly a “ship without a home.”
October 27
Finally, two days after our cruise was scheduled to end, we docked in Gibraltar and walked across the border into Spain. Once we stepped off the ship – and out from under the comforting wing of the Serenity and her crew – the disorganization was breathtaking. No one knew which bus to board or when and our luggage was nowhere to be seen. (We later found out that Spanish officials held it up at the border – it followed in a separate truck many hours behind us.)
After a two-hour bus ride, we reached the Malaga airport. Crystal had chartered several planes to Barcelona and arranged for overnight accommodations, but many people spent the night without their luggage. Crystal secured new flights home for those who booked through the company’s Air/Sea Program. But independents — those who booked their own travel – had to sort things out with their travel agents or air carriers. Not surprisingly, many passengers regretted that they hadn’t purchased their flights through Crystal – or at the very least purchased travel insurance to cover this sort of event. But, who could have imagined not being able to disembark? I certainly learned a lesson about expecting the unexpected, even on a luxury cruise line.
Finally, as we were about to fly home, we heard the news: The fishermen’s strike was over.
Looking Back
I’m not sure if the fishermen accomplished their goals by striking. But, news reports claimed the port of Barcelona lost a few million euros in revenue. The strike also cost Crystal at least $2 million, and that figure is likely to rise. Passengers on my cruise were offered a $200 credit for a future vacation, and the passengers waiting to board in Barcelona were refunded for the two cruise days they missed.
“We make such an effort to provide our guests a seamless, wonderful experience, so I cringe when I think of the inconvenience they went though,” said Crystal spokeswoman, Mimi Weisband. “Never, in all our years in the cruise industry, have any of us experienced a situation as complex as this one, with so many unknowns. When would the strike end? Where would the ship disembark? Where would we find hotels and transportation? And everything we were told changed along the way.”
As for me, do I regret missing Barcelona? Of course. Will I be back? Absolutely. On a Crystal ship? If I’m lucky! But next time, you can bet I will buy trip insurance.”
| Ireland 12/27/2005 7:22:58 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment I hope that you enjoyed a happy Christmas or are enjoying a joyous Hannukah.
As the new year approaches I find that I am thinking a lot about one of my favorite countries, Ireland. To me it is a special place, so special that it made me break on of my vows to myself - never visit a country twice until I have seen all the places on my "must see list". I have broken that vow repeatedly now.
When I am asked why I find Ireland special, I must talk about the totality of the experience three as there is no simple answer to the question. Sure it is a beautiful country, but so are other countries. The people are charming, but so are people elsewhere (though not everywhere). The answer I have come up with is that the Irish view the world from a different perspective than most people.
They are a fun loving people, but have a highly developed sense of tragedy, both historically and currently. They love their freedoms, but banned smoking in their pubs even before my very green and liberal state of Washington did so in its public places. They are a very Catholic country, but one of their most famous churches, St. Patrick's Catherdral is Protestant.
The Irish people are very direct in their conversations and will start a conversation with you at the least excuse. On one trip I was in Durty Nellie's Pub in Shannon with a friend of mine when an older "gentleman" asked my friend where he got such a %$#@^&*#@ ugly hat. When my friend explained it was a gift from his wife, the gentleman started commiseration with him about the many travails of married life.
When I am asked where to go when visiting Ireland, I am tempted to say, just go anywhere. You definitely can do that, just get in a car and drive in any direction and you will have a great time. Although one tip I have for first timers is to take an escorted tour. No matter what you have heard or experienced before on tours, one in Ireland is definitely very enjoyable and most importantly, very informative.
The history of Ireland is rich and complex. It is hard for most people to learn the history on their own and having a knowledge of the history, will make your visit much more interesting.
Dublin is a major city with much to see and do. There is Trinity College with the Book of Kells, there is the Temple Bar area, much great shopping and all this very easy to see on foot or using convenient public transportion.
Killarney is one of the favorite cities for visitors. It has numerous golf courses, beautiful old mansions, and a vibrant night life. In Killarney I recommend going out one night to a local pub, not a tourist trap, but one frequented only by the neighborhood residents. Just walk along until you hear music you like, walk in and order a Guiness and be prepared for a fun evening.
When you order your drinks and the folks at the surrounding table hear your accent, be prepared to spend a lot of your evening chatting with them. They will be very curious about you and why you are there (both in their pub and in Ireland).
While Ireland can be enjoyed immensely, but just driving around, I strongly recommend an escorted tour for first time visitors. Even if tours are not your thing, you will find the experience in Ireland to be most enjoyable. Besides you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery passing by. But most important, with the tour, you will learn so much about the country and that will enrich your experience immensely.
If you are thinking of going to Ireland, just give me a call or send an email. I will be able to send you on a vacation of a lifetime. | Merry Christmas 12/23/2005 2:13:25 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment As we come to Christmas this year I reflect on the wonderful year that I have experienced and the many blessings I have received. For that I am very thankful.
It is my fondest wish that your Christmas and the coming year be spent with loving friends and family. Merry Christmas to all! | River Cruising 12/20/2005 5:14:36 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment It is my guess that most visitors to this web site have never been on a river cruise. That my friends is something that you should seek to correct as soon as possible. River cruising offers the best way to see beautiful and interesting parts of the world in great and enjoyable detail.
Personally, I didn't discover river cruising until just four years ago. Now I am hooked, seriously hooked. In the past four years I have explored France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Russia, China, and the United States via rivers. Because I am a travel agent I have taken others on some of these trips. All have found the experience to be very enjoyable, many are now as hooked as I am.
Obviously, you can't visit places far from rivers while on a river cruise, although many provide day excursions by bus that can go several hours away from the river. This, however, is not a shorcoming. Most European countries developed around their rivers which were the original highways for commerce. The same is true for the US. There is much history and culture crowded on the river banks.
I know of no other mode of travel where you can talk to the locals on the shore as you slowly cruise the river. I have found that most folks who go on river cruises are very experienced travelers. They have "done it all" and were looking for something different. Your fellow travelers are engaging and eager to share their experience if you wish them to. Some of your time will undoubtedly be spent eagerly talking with new friends you have made. You will be surprise to find out how many of these folks have river cruised before. Its hard to do it just once.
One thing that separates river cruising from Ocean Cruising or other Big Ship Cruising is that your land excursions are almost always included in your fare - no extra charges. One major river cruising vendor has started to offer cruises where you can pay less initially and buy the shore excursions that you want. It is an option, but I don't recommend it.
No packing and unpacking after your board, a pleasant relaxed pace, plenty to do to fill your time as much as you want. Whether you like lectures, fun shows, cooking lessons, vodka parties, or whatever, you will find much that you will enjoy on a river cruise.
If you are looking for something new to do or want a great value for your next vacation, look no further - book a river cruise. | Making Sense of the Airlines Tower of Babel 12/15/2005 4:06:36 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment Keeping track of today's airline industry is a challenge for travel agents much less the average traveler. Here is a list of sites on the Web that will help you decipher the rules and other stuff you may want to know.
1) www.alrlinequality.com: Skytrax, a major airline research firm, has a site with star ratings for airlines, as well as reviews of 40 airports, a section on seat pitch, airport lounge reviews, consumer forums on a variety of topics, airline and airport photo galleries, and survey results. Want to know which airlines have installed flat beds, and what configuration or benefits the seats have? Just select "Flat Bed Airline Seats" on the bottom of the right hand column. Here you will find photos of airline flat-bed seats in various stages of "flatness," sleep ratings and Skytrax's own rankings of seats, as well as passenger ratings.
2) http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/: The U.S. Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Division site offers information on travel with animals, coping with flight delays, information for disabled passengers, and statistics on air travel.
3) www.airguideonline.com: This site for frequent travelers offers details on frequent flyer programs, airport and airline news. Check out individual topics on the left. Web surfers can get perspective on first-class lounges, read about new rules for being bumped from European flights, and get information on safety and security topics.Perhaps the best part of this site is where else it leads with an extensive set of links on a broad range of airline subjects.
4) www.airsafe.com: This site provides safety data, as well as information on fear of flying, child safety tips, accident reports, data analysis, commentary, monthly safety statistics, news, product descriptions and more.
5) www.airlines.org: The home page of the Air Transport Association, the industry trade group for most major U.S. airlines, provides news on its members as well as information for consumers, such as details about flying, fuel price issues, and the spread of flu with links to major health sites worldwide.
6) www.tsa.gov/pub lic/index.jsp: The Transportation Security Administration site has several useful features including wait-list times based on historical data, what type of shoes customers should wear when they travel, tips for outdoorsmen traveling with hunting or fishing equipment, and downloadable TSA claim forms. Clients can check the status of a claim as well.
7) www.airlines reviewed.com: At this site passengers can input their personal reviews about specific airlines and airports, as well as secure feedback from other passengers on specifics of airport or airline services.
8) www.raa.org: This official site of the Regional Airline Association is mostly technical and business focused, but it has a good list of member lines with complete name lists for executive positions within those lines, including customer service.
9) www.aspca.org: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a good 10-point plan for assuring all possible is done to ensure a client's pet is safe with flying on an airplane. Select "pet care," then "Air Travel Tips."
10) www.faa.gov/passengers/: This FAA site includes airline contact nformation, baggage size requirements, airport status report, health and safety information for air travel, travel tips for flying and information about using child safety seats.
Now this is what I call information overload. | Which Hawaii Do You Want? Moloka'i? 12/14/2005 3:34:12 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment On the island of Moloka'i, roads are few and generally empty. The island clings to tradition. It isn't merely a lovely island, it's the only island for those who aren't looking for fancy shops, big resorts and the company of tourists. Folks going to Moloka'i discover, serenity, empty beaches and untamed beauty. The Hawaiian culture is woven into the fabric of every day life.
While it is not sophisticated when it comes to tourism, it does offer a wide range of places to stay and things to do. For a small island, 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, it possesses awesome natural wonders. View the enormous temple platform called Ili ili opae Heiau and the 60-plus rock-wall fishponds that line the islands South Shore. The South Shore is sheltered by the largest reef system in Hawaii.
Molokai also contains areas of unspoiled wilderness. Kamakou Preserve is a mountain forest that's home to endangered native plants and rare birds.
Along the North Coast the world's tallest sea cliffs plunge over 3,00 feet to the crashing surf below.
Wester Moloka'i has some of the larges and least visited beaches in the state. The Lodge and Beach Village at Molokai Rance on the West End is the nearest Moloka'i gets to a resort area.
Go to Moloka'i if your goal is to get back to nature. | European vacations are getting cheaper than they have been in years. 12/8/2005 5:56:01 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment The dollar gained 14.6% on the euro and 12.1% on the British pound over the past 12 months. The stronger dollar means prices on everything from French hotel rooms to Italian wine are falling for U.S. travelers. Large numbers of U.S. tourists are already booking vacations to Europe for the coming year.
Airline fares are easing too, as more trans-Atlantic flights are scheduled and fuel costs start to come down. As a result travel agents are seeing a sharp rise in advance bookings to Britain and the Continent. One national agency, says its advance bookings to Europe are up 116% over last year. (Italy's bookings are up 236%, England's are 79% higher and Spain's have climbed 170%.)
The dilema for the traveler is that if you wait the dollar could get stronger against the Euro and the cost in dollars could get cheaper. Many economists are predicting just that, but they have been wrong in the past, the dollar could get weaker.
So the choice is book now and lock in the dollar rates at the best they have been in years, or wait hoping they will come down even more. However, by waiting things could also get more expensive.
Anyone know a good fortune teller? | Which Hawaii Do You Want? Lanai? 12/7/2005 3:49:40 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment Lanai is easily seen from Maui and many folks talk day trips over to "see" the island. You might want to consider it as your Hawaiian destination.
Ranking sixth in size of the major Hawaiian Islands, Lana'i was once the site of the world's largest pineapple plantation. Today, the island's major industry is taking excellent care of visitors. Travelers who are looking for an escape from big city life will find it refreshing to discover that Lana'i has only 30 miles of paved roads. It's an island that offers plenty of places for quiet reflection. One of these is the stunning Garden of the Gods, an eerily beautiful moonscape scattered with boulders and spires. This natural wonder is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset when the shadows and colors of the sky work their magic on the rocky landscape.
Spending some quality time on a quiet beach can provide the perfect way to rejuvenate the spirit, and Hulopo'e Bay, with its beautiful stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters and gentle waves fits the bill. Located in a Marine Life Conservation District, it is a favorite habitat of playful Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Shipwreck Beach, named for the wreck of a World War II Liberty Ship, is another popular spot for beachcombers and a stroll along this quiet beach offers glimpses of ancient petroglyphs along the way.
The ideal way to enjoy the good life on Lana'i is to experience both of the island's world-class luxury hotels. The Lodge at Koele, built at an elevation of 2,000 feet, is designed in the style of a European hunting retreat, while the oceanfront Manele Bay Hotel is patterned after an elegant Mediterranean villa. Both of these all-inclusive resorts offer superior accommodations, world-class golf, fine dining and luxurious amenities. Best of all, guests staying at either one can take advantage of all the services offered by the other. Shuttle service is provided between both resorts.
Lana'i also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. One popular choice is to explore the island by four-wheel drive. The possibilities for off-road adventures are virtually limitless. Lana'i's premier hike, the 8-mile Munro Trail, rewards hikers with spectacular views from the summit of Mt. Lana'ihale. On a clear day, five of the major Hawaiian Islands are visible from this lofty vantage point.
The island can also be explored by horseback, and trail rides of varying lengths and terrain can easily be arranged. For a truly unique experience, guests can also visit the Lana'i Sporting Clays, a rustic 14-station skeet-shooting course set on 200 wooded acres.
When golf is on the agenda, golfers will find that the island's two world-class courses, The Experience at Koele and The Challenge at Manele, are very aptly named. If the greens and fairways don't provide enough distractions, the scenery definitely will.
| Which Hawaii Do You Want? Kaua'i? 12/2/2005 4:59:56 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment The old saying “age before beauty” takes on a whole new meaning on Kaua‘i. It’s the oldest of the major Hawaiian islands, which means the forces of nature have had that much more time to perfect the island’s stunning tropical beauty. For an island that measures just 33 miles wide and 25 miles long, it packs in an amazing array of scenic views, activities, and attractions, making it the ideal destination for anyone who wants to see and do a lot in a short period of time. This is my personal favorite of the islands.
Kaua‘i is renowned worldwide for its lush tropical gardens, and last summer Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden opened its “Under the Rainbow” Children’s Garden to introduce young visitors to the wonders of the island’s plant life. The garden, filled with kid-friendly plants, makes learning about horticulture fun by encouraging kids to explore water features, a tree house made from a rubber tree, a gecko-shaped maze, and a tropical jungle with bridges, tunnels and slides. A highlight for young visitors is a 16-foot tall bronze sculpture and fountain that tells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Kaua‘i’s southern coast offers the kind of soft, white crescent shaped beaches that vacation dreams are made of. The most popular is Poipu Beach, which offers excellent swimming, snorkeling, boogie-boarding, surfing and people watching. Poipu Beach has become the fastest growing destination on Kaua‘i thanks to its irresistible combination of soft white sand beaches and abundant sunshine. A wide variety of accommodations can be found here, ranging from condominiums to upscale hotels.
Nearby Shipwreck’s Beach is a great place to sunbathe or stroll along the sand, but the rougher waters here are more appropriate for experienced surfers. The more secluded Mahaulepu Beach is popular with windsurfers, and families with little ones enjoy splashing around in the protected cove of Baby Beach located west of Poipu Beach.
Moderately-priced accommodations are also available on the Coconut Coast on Kaua‘i’s eastern shore, and on the island’s North Shore, which is legendary for its breathtaking views, guests can choose from accommodations ranging from condos to luxury resorts. For travelers in search of something a bit more out of the ordinary, Waimea Plantation Cottages on the island’s west side offers the unique opportunity to stay in an historic sugar plantation cottage that has been restored to its early 1900s charm.
Dining on Kaua'i is a pleasure. Whether you are seeking a fine dining experience or a budget friendly restaurant, you won't be disappointed with the food. I will refrain from giving recommendations, since I keep finding new and very good choices on each visit. So my recommendation is to experiment. Ask some locals for their recommendation, or buy a copy of the book Kaua'i Revealed, the authors always give you the straight scoop. | Prepare Yourself For Winter Illnesses 12/1/2005 11:32:35 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment I belong to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)and they just sent this advisory about norovirus. While this virus gets a lot of press when cruise line passenger contract it, it is a very common winter illness in any places where people congregate, work, school, malls, etc.
At the end of this log are two website addresses where you can get more information.
Many travelers are planning warm-weather cruise getaways as temperatures cool and the first winter snows begin to fall. Seasonal illnesses can also occur during this time of year, and you may hear of increased instances of the stomach flu (also known as “norovirus”).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 23 million people in the United States (representing eight percent of the population), contract norovirus each year. In contrast, less than one percent of all cruise guests are affected each year.
While the vast majority of these cases are land-based and not related to leisure cruising, news stories focusing on incidents occurring aboard cruise ships may lead your clients to ask questions or express concern about seagoing vacations.
As always, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew is the cruise industry’s highest priority. This document provides travel agents with the latest norovirus information, including preventative steps being taken by the cruise lines and ways guests can reduce their risk.
The facts are as follows, according to the most recent information:
During the past winter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increased cases of norovirus across the United States in hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes and schools.
With the reported increase in norovirus cases on land, there could be a corresponding increase aboard cruise ships.
According to CDC, the cruise lines have the world’s highest sanitation standards. Rigorous cleaning procedures are in place to disinfect and sanitize public areas including door handles, railings and elevator buttons.
Cruise lines employ extensive cleaning protocols and sanitation measures, which are increased when illness is reported on board a ship. Additionally, Dave Forney, chief of CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, adds that “Cruise lines work meticulously and effectively to actually break the cycle of transmission during most cruises.”
Cruise lines participate in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program and are required to report every case of gastrointestinal illness. Nowhere else in the U.S. public health system is norovirus a reportable illness.
The most effective measure guests can take to prevent this temporary but uncomfortable condition is to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Guests who experience norovirus symptoms should follow the shipboard medical staff’s guidance to prevent spreading the illness. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps and may last one to two days. The most common means of transmission is person-to-person contact.
Should you or your clients seek additional information, including more on norovirus and proper hand-washing techniques, please visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov or the Vessel Sanitation Program’s Web site at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp.
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