Find “general characteristics” of your ship on Wikipedia

FYI … I will be away next week (May 11-16) on the Carnival Splendor with limited access to Internet, so I will not be posting an article next week.  I’m going to check out the ship, because I am taking a group on her Oct 23, out of Norfolk, to Bermuda.  Come sail with us.  I have one balcony & 3 inside cabins left with an estimate $ 600 pp savings (434) 237-3832.

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Some cruisers compare the size of a ship to tonnage before deciding to sail.  Others to the number of cruisers onboard, or even cruiser to staff ratio.  Others look at the length. 

No matter the general type statistics you are looking for, this can often be a task in finding quickly.  But  not any more, if you haven’t yet discovered this information is on Wiki.

Wiki - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia makes this insight readily available to the cruiser !  All you do is type in the “search bar” … Wiki and the name of your ship, seach & presto, there it is.

Go ahead now and find your ship !  You may even find a picture !

 

Here’s an example.  I typed in wiki Carnival Splendor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_Splendor

 

And here is the general characteristics I found on that page:

 

Name: Carnival Splendor

Owner: Carnival Corporation & plc

Operator:  Carnival Cruise Lines

Port of registry:  Panama

Route: Bahamas & Caribbean

Ordered: 2006

Builder: Fincantieri

Cost: US$697 million

Yard number: Genoa, 6135

Laid down: 2007

Launched: 3 August 2007

Christened: 10 July 2008

Completed: 28 June 2008

Maiden voyage:  18 August 2008

In service: 2008–present

Class and type: Splendor-class cruise ship

Tonnage:  113,323 GT   83,320 NT   11,843 DWT

Length: 290 m (950 ft)

Beam: 116

Draught: 8.3 m (27 ft)

Decks: 13

Installed power:  6 × Wärtsilä 12V46C (6 × 12,600 kW)

Propulsion: Diesel-electric; two shafts.  Converteam propulsion motors (2 × 21 MW)[5]

Speed:  21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph)

Capacity: 3,006 passengers

Crew: 1150

 

 

If you had to work while on vacation … Which ? Cruise or All-Inclusive Resort ?

My company usually chooses our annual convention onboard a cruise ship.  Been doing this for years.  I love it !

Though we may be in meetings all day, by night time, we can then plan our dinner and our evening entertainment.  Best of both worlds … work … and play.

So while I am on my cruise, I don’t choose to work, outside of our meetings.  I have an associate watch my work phone (handle new vacation bookings that come in) and my staff handles the “already booked” through our Customer Service Team. 

# 1 reason I don’t work, more than just the meetings, while at our annual convention, is cause this time, is also part of my vacation … I leave my free time to play ! 

So I guess my question to you is … What “kind” of work must you do while gone ?  What I mean is, do you specifically need internet ? 

Internet is slow and costly on a cruise ship, which is another reason I don’t choose to work while onboard.  So yes, if you need lots of internet, maybe an All-Inclusive Resort with complimentary Wifi, is better for you !

This week, our company had our annual board meeting at an All-Inclusive.  I opted to stay more days, because they said, complimentary calls to the US and Wifi.  So though I go out for meals, I am in my room working, with call calling and wifi. 

I’m at the Finest Playa Mujeres.  Wifi is supposed to be all over.  For the most part, it doesn’t do too bad.  Sometime, I have to sit in a certain seat to get wifi at the bar or at a restaurant, yet other times, it works just fine.  As far as my room, the power is not strong enough, to work out company system at all times, so not totally perfect !

Either way … Either choice … What a great way to work !  What a view !  What an environment to be in for as long as you can. 

Though I guess I will be glad, when I get home, where there are no hickups with internet & phone … Till I leave this Friday, I am loving it !  Though a little too much time in my room …  With being a work-a-holic !

 

Our Regal Princess Cruise … Includes a little drama ! But cruise was great !

699 Pictures ... You can tell which plates are mine versus my mom (She doesn't do rare; and I don't do fruit nor usually tomatoes nor veggies, unless green).  Hehhe.  Enjoy !
https://cruisevacationpictures.shutterfly.com/pictures/5991

We began by getting up 5am, to get ready.  Mom is not a morning person, but she had gone to bed by 9pm.  Her hair dresser then arrived 6am, to take us to McDonalds at the Speedway, to catch our transportation to Ft Lauderdale. 

The Cruise Connection (Escot Tours) bus was already there.  Though we had planned to take mom’s scooter a part, for the bus ride, they had brought a bus with a lift.  Well, it didn’t work.  But instead of wanting to take the scooter apart, the bus driver choose to pick it up, over his head, and lift it to the level of door opening of the bus, to place the scooter.  You can only imagine, my fear of the scooter hitting the ground, and no scooter for her to ride on the cruise !  He almost dropped it, but he made it !

We pulled out by 7am, and we arrived by 11:30.  Didn’t have many stops on the way, though stopped at McDonalds for 30 min, for a breakfast break.

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“Getting On the ship” … Not so much fun for me ! 

After coming into the terminal, I asked for assistance, with mom & her scooter.  The guy I spoke to, acted like, we’ve arrived at a busy time, for assistance, “plus”, with us not using their wheel chair, we were sort of on our own.

So here I am with 2 rolling carry-ons, her bag, my bag (which also included snacks/drinks), and my breathing machine (cpap).  In general, I am use to carrying all this stuff, but I had her too, on the scooter, and truly was expecting some assistance as in the past. 

I get into, what seemed to be the “Elite” line.  Though we were moving right along, folks kept going by us in wheel chairs.  I asked if we too, could go by the line, but was told, those folks had already checked in.   Once arriving at the checkin line, there too, were the wheel chair folks checking in too !  After checking in, the lady did take us to the elevator, which did bypass much of the line.

Once on the 2^nd level, we came up to an opening in the petition, where a guy in a suit was.  We asked where we go and he acted like he didn’t know.  He walked away.  Then a staff member with a wheel chair customer came up behind us, and motioned us to move in the coming crowd of folks.

I take a right, to go with the flow of the crowd and tell my mom to follow.  She pulled out a little, and as normal, let 20 folks go in front of her … Now between the 2 of us !

Next this guy in a suit, comes back over to her, and “now” he is ready to help.  What does he do ? Takes her the opposite direction, waiving at me, come on.  I now have to fight the crowd going backwards, with all this stuff.

Do you think mom and this guy waiting for me ? No !  They kept moving.  And as normal, folks made way for her and the scooter to come through, but I had to fight the crowd on my own, walking against them.

I finally get to an area with an empty walkway & ask the woman if she could open the rope & let me through to catch up with my mother, who is on a scooter.  She says, the whole family can’t go with the handicap person, only the care taker.  I said, I am the care taker.  She finally lets me through.   Even though I was able to get further ahead, my mom was nowhere in sight.  But at least now, the crowd is going in my direction and I’m not fighting them to get through.

Next, I am onboard.  Again, she is nowhere to be seen.

I go to the elevator & get on.  Though everyone was to go to deck 16 for lunch, I asked the staff person if they would let me off on Dolphin deck, that my mom was on a scooter and had gone to the room.  He tells me, no she has not, she has been taken to deck 16.  I get off and again, she is nowhere to be found. 

I decided to call her on her cell, and sure enough, a staff person has taken her to the room.  So I get back on the elevator, and fight with the guy to let me off on Dolphin, to go find my mother.

Ok, so I get to the room.  My blood pressure is sky high, as you can imagine.  I am foaming at the mouth !

Just by chance, if you don’t see this as I do … It’s not any different than being “parted” from your child … The one you are responsible for.  My mom has no cares in the world and would follow anyone !

Like you tell your kids, not to talk to strangers … And though, “this time”, all may be safe … I’m giving these same words to my mom !

Oh well, I won’t tell all that was said,  but you can imagine how I was feeling !  I will admit, once I found some free time, later that evening, I had my little cry (just like any parent, who finally found their “non worried” child, fine & safe) !  On top of my own worries, has anything happen to my mother in my care, I would never hear the end from my bro and how it was my fault !

For folks who don’t know my mom …. She’s care free … Worries over nothing … Can’t fathom anything ever going wrong nor can picture a disaster that may could happen.  My mom is also somewhat of a dare devil and she is actually the one you have to worry, as to what chance she might choose to take next !  She can’t understand, even to this day, why my father kept such a leash on her !

FYI … I did report this to Princess.  I was told, they should have never turned me down, with assisting me !  And I learned later … Remember the guy in the suit, in the terminal, who 1^st, had no idea what to do and then took my mother in the opposite direction ?  He was one of the management staff in the cafeteria.  I saw him (but I said nothing), on our last morning, eating breakfast, before getting off the ship.

 

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Ok … Once I finalllllly calmed down … We were then ready for what would be, as expected … A great cruise !

First we headed up the cafeteria for lunch.  Their cafeteria is such a beautiful place with so much to offer.  What we enjoyed visiting the most each day, was the desert isle !

Next, the boat drill.  We didn’t go get the life preservers because you had an option to go to the regular life boat drill or just go to the Wheelhouse Lounge, 30 min later, and just listen to the talk.  But before we got to the Wheelhouse, one of the staff checked us in, so we didn’t actually have to go there either.

Well, we took off running with all that was going on.  We first went to the Internet Café & got the coffee card.  15 coffees or ice cream Sundays for $30 + tip.  This would take both of us through the whole week.  We did all coffees except one day, we had a fabulous Sunday !

We then toured the boat.  I had been onboard this ship before, so this made it fairly easy for us.

Dinner was 5:30pm.  We had already decided to not change for dinner, so we didn’t even go back to the room first.  We met some great folks for dinner.  2 couples but 2 extra chairs.  The next night, one couple choose a different dining, but we gained another new couple.  We enjoyed our mates for dinner all week !

Lots going on after dinner.  We went to a game show.  Then the regular show. Then music.  We finally went back to the room, maybe closer to 12 midnight.  And then unpacked.

Next morning, like every day, my mom ordered room service and stayed in the room till noon.  I most often went to the back of the boat, where they had a sitting area with coffee, etc.  Then go back to the room by noon to get her, for lunch.

So the 2^nd day of cruise, we ate at the pizza restaurant.  The 3rd day for lunch, we went to the Wheelhouse Lounge for fish and ships.  4^th day, we wanted tacos, at the cafeteria.  The5th day, she wanted a hot dog, so I got a hamburger.  The 6th day, we made it to the dining room. The 7^th day, we ate at the cafeteria.  Though we didn’t actually eat at the cafeteria till the last day, we actually went to the cafeteria each day, for our dessert.

After lunch, there was always something to do around the ship.  Whether it was a culinary class, a chocolate class, pain class, and more.  Except for the last day, we would eventually make it back to the room, for a nap, even if only for 30 minutes.  We didn’t drink enough water onboard, so with the rich foods and lack of water, our ankles swelled, and we felt it a good idea to rest those ankles once in a while.

I didn’t get much use of the balcony.  But mom would sit out there each morning, with her coffee & breakfast, crochet and reading a book … Before noon !  And the last day after lunch, she decided to spend a quiet afternoon there, while off in another area of the ship, typing about our cruise experience (last day).

The evenings, we stayed very busy.  Unless I post the schedule, you just can’t imagine how much there was to do !  Some nights, the 1^st show would be at 6:30pm, which we could not make, but other nights, it was at 7:15pm, which we could (We enjoyed their shows of dancers/singers).  2 nights, we went to the “Movie Under the Stars”.  One night we went to see the “Light Water” Show – fabulous (this was at the pool deck).  There was Beatle Maniacs Show onboard.  A Soul/Motown Music show.  We saw the comedian twice (mom believes she had seen him before –he was good).  We did get in the bed between 11pm-1pm.

The food.  Oh my.  You will have to see all my pictures !  Normally I would choose a couple of entrees a night, but the food was so good, I really didn’t have to (note, I ask them to remove any veggie not green and potatoes).  Of course, I might order 2 soups, select nights.  A few nights salad. And most nights I did have an appetizer.  Some nights again, we didn’t do the dessert, but would instead go upstairs to the cafeteria to see the variety !  And of course, that one night, we had the Sunday !  If you look at my different pictures, you can tell which plates were mine & which were mom’s.  She loves fruit; not me.  She loves tomatoes; not me !

Mom also gambles a little (not a lot, like my dad).  So we spent a little time in the casino.  She debated on Bingo, but never made it there !

The 2^nd day of the cruise (Monday), we were at Princess Cays.  I didn’t opt to go in.  And I knew mom wouldn’t want to go. 

Wednesday, we were in St Thomas.  We didn’t dock at the regular dock.  In the morning, I went downtown, to shop under the tents.  Didn’t stay but about an hour.  I then went back to the boat & we had lunch.  Then, with her scooter, we went in the port for her to ride around through the few shops.

Thursday, we were in St Maartin.  I took the ferry to town.  I walked up Main Street, before taking the ferry back.  It was terribly hot and the dock was a long way back to the ship.  We then went to lunch.  We didn’t opt to go into the port.  The dock was windy and would have messed up her hair.  And I personally didn’t want to walk that dock again !

We met lots of nice folks !  A couple, we may stay friends for years, but others were just folks, we’ll just have to be thankful for the time we spent together onboard.

 

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I gave my mom a couple of scares myself !

First one.  One day, when I was coming back to the room, to get her for lunch, my hand slammed in the door.  With the balcony door open, it caused a pulling draft.  So when I went to shut the door, my hand slipped in between the door, as it slammed.  Luckily, the pain was gone in about 15 minutes and apparently nothing broken.

 

2^nd one.  How many folks get acid reflux ?  I’ve really only had it about 8-9 times.  Usually happens when I’ve eaten “more” than just over eating !  Of course, I am known for indigestion often, which I get just from eating carbs … Which is why, other than when on a cruise, I try to eat “low carbs”.

Well, one night, I had the acid reflux.  It was after having pizza and ice cream, must before bed.  It jumped me up in bed, like It’s done before.  Not sure if you are aware, but “gases” are often released, when you have acid reflux.  That’s what happened.  Gases can take your breath.  Which is what happened this time ! 

Valuable Health Insight To Know.  FYI, if you are not aware, there are select foods out there, that automatically release gasses, such as vinegar.  If you suck down the fumes, you can lose your breath.  And if you don’t know what to do, you could easily die !  The 1^st time this happened to me, I was about 29 or 30.  I was in a restaurant with other folks, and we were all laughing & having fun.  When all of a sudden, I lost my breath.  Don’t know how I knew to do this, but what you must first do, is blow the “gasses out”.  Not breath in, but blow the gasses out !  Slowly.  Then if you must take in a breath, you breath in very slowly, just enough air, so that you can then breath more gasses out !  You have to keep doing this till you can breathe normal.  My mother has had this happen, even when driving, and I have taught her this technique, which I hope she remembers, if it ever happens again.  Again,  don’t panic, but remember, to breath “out” !

OK, back to story.  So here I am breathing out, but when I breathed “in”, I was wheezing.  It woke my mother up, because it sounded like I was gasping for air.  I wasn’t actually panicked at all, but she was, asking, “what can I do”.  Matter of fact, I walked into the bathroom & used it, while I was still trying to catch my breathe !  heheh.  I would say this is probably the 4^th time in my life, this has happened.  And the others did not come from acid reflux !  Anyway, all was well, and we went back to bed !

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Getting off ship, much smoother !

 

We were "Pink 2” tags.  We had bought the “Cruise Connection” transportation, r/t Daytona, through Princess, so they knew exactly when we needed to get off the ship.  The connection had told us, between 10-10:30am, and the ship had us scheduled for 10:35am.

 

With mom’s scooter, we were told to arrive 10 minutes early.  So we stayed in bed till 8:15.  Went to breakfast 9am.  Had our last coffee, with the coffee card.  Back to the room by 10am and we left @ 10:15am.  We left the ship about 10:30am.

 

And yes, they helped.  And I was glad they did.  Cause when leaving (mom wanted to drive scooter off), she couldn’t get over the exit ramp, so they pushed her up over & all was fine.  The staff also carried mom’s carry on bag.  He took us to the elevator (actually the correct elevator than we had come onboard), and we went straight down to the luggage area.  

 

There was a porter there, who went straight over & got out bags and we went thru customs quickly.  Then the porter took us to the area, where other “Cruise Connection” folks were (the other didn’t buy from Princess, so their color tags cause them to get off the boat much earlier than us).

 

About 30 minutes later, our bus arrived.  One of their staff helped me take our luggage to the bus.  This bus had a small ramp to put mom’s scooter on, and we were all ready to come home.

 

We did make a couple stops on the way home, with our 2^nd stop, we had to change busses.  Again, no problem dealing with the scooter.

 

The last hour, it rained heavily !  But we still got home in record time.  We were back at McDonald’s, near the Flea Market by 4:15pm.  But mom’s hair dresser must have forgotten how to get there, cause we had to wait about 20+ minutes for her !

 

 

That was our cruise !  Another great one !

 

 

Is there a difference between a vacation on land and a Land Tour Package ? Are you tackling this alone ?

I’m cruising next week …. Not sure if I’ll have wifi onboard to write in my blog !

Is there a difference between a vacation on land and a Land Tour Package ?

There is !

If you’re just looking for a flight and a hotel, this can easily be bought by a consumer “if” you know much of the inside scoop.  For now, I am only going to mention … Buy airfare & hotel, “direct” from the provider !

What I want to talk about is … A “Land Tour Package” …

Though transportation in getting there can vary, it might be included in your package, or you may opt in reserving this on your own.  It could even include flight between countries (your destinations).

The place you reside is more than just booking a hotel room.  Could be an all-inclusive.  Could be a resort.  Could include several locations. 

The package most often includes transfers to get you to your accommodations.  Or transfers from city to city; country to country. 

My even include tours.

Land Packages are available for all around the World.  In the US, you may buy a package for New York City, for the Grand Canyon, for Disney.    Packages can be just for adults or include the family, such as Adventures by Disney !

When traveling abroad, there are packages for luxury and even economy.  Packages for couples, for singles, and again, families !

When you are ready to buy a Land Tour Package, this is an even more so vacation, when you need an  agent.  Agents buy these packages from “Land Tour Operators” !  There are millions of Tour Operators out there.  From local operators to National Operators.  From Name Brand operators to operators no one has ever heard of ! 

Like cruises, you want to buy from Name Brands … And avoid trying to choose a just anyone off the net !  This can be very dangerous for consumer who think “travel is bought by the net” !

Remember, it’s only advertising that leads consumer in believing that travel is to be bought on one’s own !  Never in the travel industry do you hear these words !  So don’t make it up !

I have made a up a cheat sheet page with a little insight:  www.HelpFindLandTour.com

Just remember to call your agent when ready !

 

I’ll be cruising next week …. Not sure if I’ll have wifi onboard !

 

 

Many values in arriving early to your cruise destination port. Can you predict ? Do you know the laws ? Do you have a passport ? And who’s traveling with you ?

Understandably, many folks can only take a week off, at a time, for vacation.  However, whether flying or driving, or who’s possibly traveling with you, there’s much value in arriving early to your cruise destination port.

The reason could be as simple as having plane issues or troubles with your vehicle, if driving.  Could be bad weather or plane technicalities.  Could be road construction you weren’t aware of, or detours, or possible accidents ahead.

If not leaving from a larger airport, the smaller airports, often don’t fly out, with increment weather.  Whether it’s fog or snow.  I live in a smaller city, Lynchburg.  Being in a valley, never know when fog could be an issue, on day of flight.  Our airport reminds me often, to tell my clients, leave a day early !

But even a larger city can provide just “delay issues”, without weather involved !  5 years back, a group of about 50 of us, were leaving for Hawaii, with a plane change in Charlotte.  It was back in the day when you still bought your airfare from the cruise line, and you didn’t think as much then, about going a day early.  And we had bought the package 18 months prior to that.  Well, on day our cruise was to begin, our flight from Charlotte was delayed leaving 2 or 3 hours.  Once finally leaving, I felt we had enough time (and we did make it), however, my group worried all the way.  Avoiding “personal stress” is the #1 reason to travel to your destination, at least a day early!

Had we not made it, there was the issue of “destination”.  You can NOT fly to your next destination (even if covered by insurance or you bought your airfare from a cruise line who will guarantee getting you to the next port).  We were cruising to Hawaii.  We could not fly to the next port.  If we did not arrive to San Diego on time, where we were to catch the ship, our vacation was over !  It’s the same for Alaska !  Or if your first port on your cruise is somewhere like Key West, or a port along the East Coast, such as Cape Canaveral & all others ! 

And even if you can fly to your next destination to meet the ship … Did you choose to get a passport, so you can fly into the port ?  It’s not the cruise lines responsibility to bring these topics up.  It’s yours !  You need to know the laws.

Driving to port of embarkation is something I seldom do.  However, I have a couple of times.  Years back, I hit a deer on the way. Fortunately, yes, we planned to go the day prior.  And still made it to the port by dark, the same day of leaving.  Another time, we were headed to the port of Norfolk on Rt 64.  The traffic was lined up for miles, and we definitely panicked, as we sat waiting for the traffic to move.

What about who you are traveling with ?  Kids ? Seniors ?  Folks with physical limitations or health issues ?  Not to mention the stress you will automatically be under, if you’re about to miss your ship … Think of the anxiety it will place on others traveling with you !  Kids will become tired.  Those with select health issues couple possibly use a day of rest, before trying to board the ship.

My mother fusses at me, every time we do a cruise, and I want us to arrive the say prior.  But after I’ve made her do so, she’s happy.  Why she can’t remember this, and gives me a hard time, I do not know.  Meaning, sometimes, we must make choose responsibly for others traveling with us !  She does NOT like getting up early!  So by going the day prior, she can sleep in, at the hotel, before we must head over to the ship.

I had a GF once, who had fibromyalgia.  After a day of travel, she needed a day or two of rest, or she would lose who first day or two of the cruise, staying in bed.  Again, if those traveling with you, can’t remember their own health situation, you will want to remember  yourself.  Their issues can become your added issues to !

 
Another great value in traveling to your embarkation port early, is if you have never been to this city.  Example, New Orleans.  This gives you a great opportunity, in choosing, to arrive a couple days early, so you can opt in seeing a few sights.  Another great place to fly in early to is Hawaii !  I encourage all my clients to do so … Gives you that chance in going to the Polynesian Cultural Center !  And I love to go to Seattle early, so I can visit Pikes Market downtown (even if I don’t stay downtown, there’s a reasonable tram/train ride from the airport).   And if I’m going to a foreign country, I definitely want to arrive early for sites !  Will you ever be there again ?

 

There’s a multiple reason to travel early !  Just like the value of Trip Cancellation Insurance, you can NOT predict the possible issues for your day of travel !  Don’t miss the boat ! 

Trip Cancellation Insurance. A must read. Do I really need ? Do I know reasons that I dare not ?

Do you have car insurance ?  Why ?

Is it only because you are made to have it ?  The biggest reason you have car insurance, is to protect you !  Whether it be, you caused the accident, or the other guy doesn’t have the needed insurance, to protect you at your best !  Matter of fact, when you choose your coverage for car insurance, you need to think about what YOU may need for YOU !  Meaning … KNOW YOUR SPECIFIC COVERAGE !

Home owners ? Why ? Fire, theft, water damage, etc !  Again, protecting your home and your money !

Renters ?  Why ?    Lots of folks don’t have this.  Not a good idea if you don’t !

You don’t actually buy these insurances, with the anticipation of actually needing to use, do you ?  Well, in general, we do !  So what I mean is, you don’t buy these insurance cause you KNOW something is going to happen, right ?  You buy, “in case” something were to happen !

What about Health insurance ?  Why ?

Is Health insurance an “age” thing ?  You think so ?

Take a look around !  Look at facebook posts !  If you thought years past, that health was an age thing, take a look at social media posts !   More and more today, all of us, have an opportunity to realize, if you’re paying attention, that health is not an “age thing” !

You may say … Well, I know it could happen to me, but I don’t think so !  That’s a natural thought !

I know I said it years back.  At age 40, I was run over from behind.  I was not in the way either.  This person backed up and went into a different parking space, instead of just backing into the thorough fare !  Picture a parking lot ! 

And don’t laugh (I know you’re not) … But I was on VACATION !  And better yet … It was in a “no fault state”.  Do you know what that means ?  It means, I have to cover my own expenses.  Whether it involved my car (which is did not), hospital expenses, and more.  Do you know the laws in every state ? In ever country ?

Thankfully, I did health insurance.  And one of my medications, into the second year of the accident, cost $30,000.  Now unfortunately, I have pre-existing condition.  One in which, my medication is changed often.  Your doctor is the determining factor, of whether your condition is pre-existing.  It’s not what you think nor others !  It’s determined by the doctor !

Now let’s talk Trip Cancellation Insurance.

There are folks who believe this is a waste of money !  Well, it could be.  How many years do you go without using your home owners insurance ?  Car insurance ?

I know some folks, who buy insurance, buy intentionally, in hopes, this will mean they won’t use it … Won’t have issues or any reason to need it … Ward off disaster !   Hoping it will be wasted money !  A great choice in how to look at it !

You say, well, you think you’ll take this gamble, and go without Trip Cancellation insurance.  Well, you can.  But a true question to ask yourself … Am I ok with loosing this money ?  And if you are, don’t buy !  But if you don’t like your own answer, reconsider your decision and buy !

Here’s another question to ask yourself.  How much more “stressed” might you be, if something happened, and you didn’t have coverage ?   My reason for buying any insurance, is the value it gives to me, of “less stress”.  Sure, I don’t want nor anticipating disaster, like anyone else … But if were to happen, I would like to eliminate the stress portion it would add, if I didn’t have it.

And as a single person, I believe the reason for Trip Cancellation Insurance takes on a new meaning.

Not only to protect me of the “unknown” of my roommate, but to protect my roommate, from any situation that my health or my life could cause to them !  It’s my opinion only, that a single person, not choosing to purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance, is a possible double whammy, for that unknown situation to surface !  You can’t be a roommate of mine, if you don’t purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance.  If you don’t want to protect yourself, I’m going make sure, you protect you from me and me from your unknown !  And if you’re a single too, think wise about this !

Trip Cancellation Insurance is not just for cancelling.  Though every policy is different, in the amount of coverage, is usually covers health & accident, emergency evacuation and more.  But again, make sure YOUR coverage !  This is about YOU … What YOU might need … Don’t assume all insurances are created equal !  If you aren’t given a copy of the policy to read … Don’t assume you have what you need !

Does your health insurance cover out of the country ?  Do you know ? Have you checked ?  Though I am not an insurance broker, to answer nor sell insurance, I have been told by the insurance companies “we” use, that insurance does not cover folks on Social Security.  And if you are on the new Marketplace insurance, most folks, are not even covered out of their STATE (emergency may be different … I’ll let you find out).

And what is your health insurance deductible ?  So even if you are covered, Trip Cancellation Insurance can help with that deductible.  Up until last year, my deductible was $10,000.  Though I could not buy additional insurance to cover me for this deductible, I could buy Trip Cancellation insurance, to help cover me if I were hurt/sick on vacation.

Do understand, Trip Cancellation Insurance is a secondary insurance.  If it took 1^st position, you would pay a whole lot more !  I won’t get into this here, but your main insurance plays 1^st position.  For example, like mentioned above, Social Security doesn’t pay out of the country, so the Trip Cancellation Insurance moves into 1^st place now !

 

FYI … The reason I actually decided to write about this topic today … I had a caller this morning … Was to leave on vacation this Sunday.  Partner had to have emergency surgery.  The doctor says “no” to them going.  They have Trip Cancellation Insurance !  Even bought insurance to cover their flight (not at the airlines).

I have saved a lot of folks, their money, their vacation, and less stress, because they had purchased Trip Cancellation Insurance.  Know, once you have paid final payment, and you have the type of coverage you truly need, you have up till “day of leaving” before you actually have to cancel – Again, it has saved many a vacation, that didn’t have to be cancelled, and the person was able to go !

 

There are so many angles and reasons for buying Trip Cancellation Insurance … Just like any other insurance you buy … It’s about protecting YOU … and YOUR VACATION MONEY !  You can't predict your future (or other family members), can you ?

 

 

 

Your employer cheating you of minimum employment leave ? Is your time off, having you feel younger ? Bringing more spring into the marriage ?

According to Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) … If you live in the United States …

“There is no statutory minimum. It is left to the employers to offer paid vacation days as part of the compensation and benefits package. According to one survey, 98% of employers offer at least some paid leave to their employees; full-time employees earn between 6 and 20 vacation days at 86% of employers surveyed.  About 96% of surveyed employers give their employees paid time off during public holidays, typically 6 per year.  Some employers offer no vacations at all. The average number of paid vacation days offered by private employers is 10 days after 1 year of service, 14 days after 5 years, 17 days after 10 years, and 19 days after 20 years.”

Go here & See can view what other countries offer their employees.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_statutory_minimum_employment_leave_by_country.

 

So in essence, if your US employer is giving you a paid vacation time or even time off without pay, this is an added value amenity with your job, if you are employed in the US. 

Are you treating this added value time off with care ?  Getting the most out of your time ? Using this time in rejuvenate yourself, so you can make it through till the next time you’ve acquired more time off ?

Do you actually feel you work 7 days a week instead of the average 5 ?  With a home, family, and many things on your to-do-list, you probably do !

Does your motor keep going each day, till you basically flop in the bed ?

 

The Free Dictionary by Farlex claims the definition for “rejuvenation” is … To restore to youthful vigor or appearance; make young again.

Is this how you feel after your time off ?  If not, why ?

Are you staying home and doing more “stuff” on your to-do-list instead of getting away ?
Are you not choosing to budget money for your rejuvenation ?

If you say you have so much to do, this is probably a true statement !  This will never change until we choose to change ourselves.  The way we think !  The way we organize !  The way we prioritize !

According to Dr. Michelle Gannon … “It's not a second honeymoon or an anniversary trip. A marriage vacation is a childless excursion you should take for the health of your marriage. Reconnecting with your spouse is an important exercise you and your spouse should follow.  If you have children, marriage vacations give them an important message that your marriage matters and is treated with importance and respect in terms of time, money, commitment and focus. Have you ever gone on a "Marriage Vacation" to re-energize your intimacy, friendship and connection? We highly recommend them, and if you have children we suggest that you really try to carve out a "No Kids Marriage Vacation."...

 

Isn’t it time for change ?

Share this with a spouse !

Share this with a boss !

 

 

Princess Cruises will have fewer ships in Europe in 2016. What does this mean for cruisers ?

Reported by CruiseIndustryNews:

Princess Cruises will have five ships in Europe next summer instead of six this year. With three ships sailing from Northern Europe for the summer season, the Emerald Princess will sail cruises to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands with British passengers, while the Caribbean sails around the British Isles and the Regal sails alternating cruises to the Baltic and Norway.

The Pacific Princess will sail from ports both in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Only the Royal Princess will spend the full summer in the Mediterranean. However, Princess will have fewer berths in Europe in 2016 than in 2015.

----------------------------------

What does this mean for cruisers ?

One less ship in Europe will mean a higher supply and demand !  Not only for Princess, but for the entire Europe cruising market.

Less space, less sailings, less itineraries !
One might not think one ship can make a difference, but it most certainly can !

Europe will sell up faster for 2016.  And the more full the ships get, the higher the price will get !

Folks are already talking about next years vacation !  Usually agents don’t hear the talk till end of April … But this year, lots of chatter, already began in February !

Folks are already on my calendar, patiently waiting for itineraries and pricing to surface, so they can confirm their plans !  And those, where the opportunity has already arrived, are booking now for  2016 !

Yes, some of these folks are those who didn’t get to plan a cruise in 2015.  Yet many, are cruisers who already have a cruise or two booked in 2015 !

Lots of talk for 2016 in reference to Alaska and Europe !

Wonder which will end up being the most popular destination for 2016 ?
Which will you choose ?
Will you book early while you have options, or will you wait too late in 2015 for booking 2016 ?

Currently I am anticipating May as a hugh booking month for 2016 !

But folks may fool me and try and get a jump on others, by booking instead, in April !
Especially those folks who’ve got an eye on the cruise lines, just waiting for itineraries/rates to post !

2015 Wave Season is almost over !  Barely in time to change course and concentrate on 2016 !

Some folks don't realize, 70% cruisers have already booked their next years vacation BEFORE DECEMBER !  WAVE SEASON (Jan-midMarch) is last minute bookers for me  - about 20% more book !  And anyone who books after is truly LATE (10%) !

And this year ... I'm anticipating that these 70% will be booked by September ... And won't dare wait through till December !

There's already lost of group space already sold out in 2016.  I checked on Carnival Vista for December 2016 and it's GONE !

Did you know ... There are cruisers who buy cabins, price unknown !  That's right. Their agents write letters to the cruise lines, and put down a deposit, without knowing the rates !  That's why, when rates come out, you wonder why select type cabins, already gone ? !

My suggestion ... Put 2016 on your calendar now !  Talk to your family.  When you want to go ?  Who wants to go with you ?  Then start looking to see what options are already available !  If not yet there, try and find out, "when" might it be available, so you too, can be one of the 1st to jump onboard.


PS.  Folks who are use to booking next January for their upcoming vacation, may want to consider changing their way of thinking for 2016 vacations !  Will there still be space next January for 2016 ?  That's the mystery question that none of us can answer !

 

Carnival - Longer cruises - 2015 & 2016. Cruisers excited ! Booking 2016. Filling up !

There are many cruisers who are total Carnival cruise lovers.  These cruisers truly, not only prefer cruising Carnival, they have no interest on cruising with any other line. 

Why should they ?  Carnival are the FUN SHIPS … For the young at heart.  Carnival not only attracts younger cruisers who love FUN, they bring to the table, many folks of all ages … Hey, us older folks love FUN too !

It’s inspiring for us who love to cruise Carnival … That Carnival is listening to our wishes … Our dreams !  LONGER CRUISES … LONGER CRUISE TIME … And NEW PORTS !

2015 begins this opportunity !   10- to 14-day voyages on six different ships between October 2015 and February 2016 that feature extended calls at destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera and The Bahamas.

Carnival already began taking reservations, beginning in December 2014. 

11 different voyages onboard Carnival Miracle, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory and Carnival Sunshine, departing from Long Beach, Calif., Port Canaveral, Fla., San Juan, Miami, and New Orleans.  These voyages will visit more than two dozen destinations, including less traveled ports like Bonaire, Martinique, Dominica, Grenada and, for the first time on a Carnival ship …Tobago.

Several of the 10- and 11-day voyages can be combined into three-week-long Caribbean cruises.

These new voyages are in addition to a previously announced series of nine 10- to 14-day departures to the Caribbean and Bermuda offered on Carnival Triumph from Galveston and Carnival Pride from Baltimore in 2015-16.

Cruisers feedback … They’re excited.  But you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it.  The proof is in the pudding.  These sailings are already selling up !  Even for 2016 sailings.

 

What does this may mean for folks who are yet aware these sailings are available ?

Don’t book early ?
May be just like Carnival’s “one” 7 night sailing to Bermuda from Norfolk, October 23, 2014 !  Folks may be paying higher prices to climb onboard !  FYI, I still have space !  Call today, est $ 600 pp savings !

As an agent, what do I plan to do about it ?  I too, plan to look at these sailings NOW … And decide which ones I want to go on.  And plan to save space !  And watch rates climb !
 

 

If you looked at this list when I posted yesterday, I have added more dates, to include the new Carnival Vista in the Mediterranean.  9 nights or longer voyages in 2015 & 2016 include:  

Carnival Breeze

*May 26-Jun. 4, 2016:  10-day Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda round-trip Miami, Florida visiting King's Wharf, Bermuda (two-day call), Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk Island.

*Nov.27-Dec.9, 2016:  13-day Southern Caribbean from Miami, Florida to Galveston, Tx visiting Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Castries, St. Lucia, Willemstad, Curacao, Oranjestad, Aruba, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival Dream

*Oct. 4-15, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bermuda cruise from New Orleans to San Juan featuring Nassau, King’s Wharf, Bermuda (overnight call), St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

*Oct. 15-25, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans with calls at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and Falmouth, Jamaica (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans). 

*Jan. 3-14, 2016:  11-day southern Caribbean cruise from New Orleans to San Juan with stops at Grand Turk, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Maarten

*Jan. 14-25, 2016:  10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans calling at St. Thomas, Dominica, St. Kitts, Grand Turk and Falmouth (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans). 

Carnival Glory

*Oct. 31–Nov. 14, 2015: 14-day Caribbean cruise round-trip from Miami visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

*Jan. 23-Feb. 2, 2016: 10-day cruise from Miami to San Juan calling at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.

*Feb. 2-13, 2016: 11-day cruise from San Juan to Miami visiting St. Croix, St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from Miami).

Carnival Legend

*May 7-18, 2015:  12-day Hawaii Northbound from Honolulu, Oahu (overnight call), Hawaii to Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii.

*Sept. 15-25, 2015:  11-day Hawaii Southbound from Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii visiting Hilo, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, and Kahului, Maui, Hawaii.

Carnival Liberty

*Mar.6-18, 2016: 13-day Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Galveston, Tx, visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Bridgetown, Barbados, Scarborough, Tobago, St. George's, Grenada, Oranjestad, Aruba, and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Carnival Miracle

*Oct.17-Nov 1, 2015: 16 day Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach (Los Angeles), California visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.

* Nov.28-Dec.13, 2015: 16 day Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach (Los Angeles), California visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.

*Jan. 16 –Jan. 31, 2016:  16 day Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach (Los Angeles), California visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, Ensenada, Mexico.

*Jan. 31- Feb. 12, 2016:  13-day Mexican Riviera voyage round-trip from Long Beach, Calif., calling at Cabo San Lucas (two-day call), La Paz, Mazatlán, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Manzanillo, and Puerto Vallarta (two-day call), (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 29-day voyage round-trip from Long Beach, CA).

Carnival Pride

*Mar.15-29, 2015: 15-day Caribbean and Central America cruise From Tampa to Baltimore, Maryland with stops at George Town, Grand Cayman, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, Colon, Panama, Oranjestad, Aruba, Bonaire, Netherlands, Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Jan.17-28, 2016 :  12-day Exotic Southern Caribbean from Baltimore, Maryland to San Juan, Puerto Rico visiting Grand Turk Island, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Curacao, Bonaire, Netherlands, and Frederiksted, St. Croix.

*Jan. 28-Feb. 7, 2016:  11-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Baltimore, Maryland visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica, Castries, St. Lucia, Basseterre, St. Kitts, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.  (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 23-day voyage round-trip from Baltimore, Maryland).

*Mar. 13-27, 2016: 15-day Eastern Caribbean cruise round-trip Baltimore, Maryland visiting Grand Turk Island, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Dominica, Castries, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Carnival Sunshine

*Nov. 28-Dec. 9, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bahamas voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Juan visiting Grand Turk, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Croix.

*Dec. 9-19, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to Port Canaveral featuring St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, St. Croix, and Grand Turk (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day voyage round-trip from Port Canaveral).

*Feb. 21-March 5, 2016: 13-day southern Caribbean cruise round-trip from Port Canaveral calling at St. Maarten, Dominica, Barbados, Scarborough (Tobago), Grenada, Martinique, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.

Carnival Triumph

*Mar. 2-14, 2015: 13-day Journey of Discover cruise round-trip Galveston, Tx, visiting George Town, Grand Cayman, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, Colon, Panama, Cartagena, Colombia, and Santa Marta, Colombia.

*Oct. 24-Nov. 4, 2015: 12-day Southern Caribbean from Galveston, Texas to San Juan, Puerto Rico visiting George Town, Grand Cayman, Oranjestad, Aruba, Bonaire, Netherlands, Grenada, Martinique, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Nov.4-14, 2015:  11-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Galveston, Tx visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Antigua, Grand Turk Island, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island).  (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 23-day voyage round-trip from Galveston, TX).

*Jan.16-27, 2016:  12-day Southern Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas to San Juan, Puerto Rico visiting George Town, Grand Cayman, Oranjestad, Aruba, Bonaire, Netherlands, Grenada, Martinique, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Jan. 27- Feb. 6, 2016:  11-day Eastern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Galveston, Tx visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Antigua, Grand Turk Island, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island).  (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 23-day voyage round-trip from Galveston, TX).

New ship – Carnival Vista

*May 1-14, 2016: 14-day Adriatic & Mediterranean cruise from Trieste, Italy to Barcelona, Spain, visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Valletta, Malta, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*May 14-24, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (overnight call), visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*May 24-Jun. 3, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*Jun. 11- 21, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (overnight call), visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Jun. 21-Jul. 1, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*Jul. 9-19, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (overnight call), visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Jul. 19-29, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*Aug.6-18, 2016: 13-day Mediterranean Cruise round-trip Barcelona, Spain visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Corfu (Kerkyra), Greece, Messina, Sicily, Italy, and Cagliari, Sardinia.

*Sept. 3-13, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (two-day call) visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Sept.13-23, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence).

*Oct. 1-11, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (two-day call) visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Oct. 11-21, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece  to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

New ship - Carnival Vista to & in the US

*Oct. 21-Nov. 3, 2016:  14-day Transatlantic Westbound from Barcelona, Spain to New York, New York visiting Gibraltar (U.K.), Ponta Delgada, Azores, and King's Wharf, Bermuda (two-day call).

*Nov. 11-18, 2016:  12-day Eastern Caribbean round-trip New York, New York visiting Grand Turk Island, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Antigua, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Nov. 18-29, 2016:  12-day Southern Caribbean from New York, New York to Miami visiting Grand Turk Island, Bonaire, Netherlands, Oranjestad, Aruba, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.