Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
by Roberto Ugaddan Hello readers, It’s now half of September and soon it will be officially Fall. Not only that when the months starts to end in BER, that means we are almost approaching the end of 2019. It was just like yesterday when we started with the year 2019. There were lots of activities/concerts coming up [...]
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TRAVELAERO TIPS – CRUISE WITH ME BABY!

Nothing quite defines the perfect getaway for a couple in love like a tropical cruise. Cruising seems to have more passion, more sensuality than other vacations. Perhaps it’s the taste of the salt wind, or the exotic destinations, or perhaps it’s the exquisite feeling of being alone together savouring each moment while drifting quietly through the vast romance of the deep, deep ocean. If this sounds something like the vacation of your dreams, then what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book a cruise! But before that read these steps in finding the best cruise deals.

1.Decide what type of cruise you want and Be Flexible. Decide what you want from a cruise vacation including destination, ship size, type of cruise, dates, and price range for there are lots of choices offering something for everyone.

2.Start Planning Well in Advance. The best time to book a cruise is between the months of January through March. During these months you’ll most likely find the best deals being offered by all the major cruise lines. If you are not in the position to book during those months you can still get great cruise deals by booking well in advance of sailing date.

3.Contact a Travel Agent. Despite the popularity of online booking sites, it is still highly recommended to book it through travel agents. An experienced travel agent knows the business very well, and keeps finger on what is constantly happening in the industry. An agent will often be able to put together an entire package that includes travel to your destination. In addition, an agent will be able to book you on special tours and events you may enjoy during your vacation, something you will not usually find when you book online yourself.

So you’re done booking you’re cruise..yey…so exciting!! Now, the following are the things you need to know before you go….

What’s Included? An Air & Cruise package includes airfare to and from your port of embarkation and debarkation, as well as the cruise, which includes your shipboard accommodation, meals, snacks, most activities, entertainment and use of ship’s facilities (pools, gym, etc.) Optional transfers are available for purchase.

How much money should I budget? When budgeting spending money for your cruise, keep in mind that many of the following are often not included in your package: shopping, drinks (bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol), casino gaming, bingo, spa treatments, specialty fitness classes, dry cleaning/laundry, shore excursions, and personal items.

Note: All cruise lines have a cashless system on board and everything you purchase is charged to your stateroom account. You will be required to set up your onboard account and settle it with either a credit card or traveller’s cheques. All purchases made on board are in US dollars, except on Costa ships sailing in Europe and all Louis Cruise ships, which use Euros.

What about tipping? Tips, or gratuities, are standard and expected on all cruise ships. It is customary to tip the stateroom steward, head waiter, waiter, assistant server and wine steward. Budget approximately $10 US per traveller per day. Some cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuities. Please inquire at the time of booking.

When are meal times? You can literally eat around the clock on any cruise ship. All ships offer casual buffet areas for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner, as well as 24-hour room service. Most cruise line now offer open dining in the evening as well as traditional assigned early (6-6:30 pm) and late (8-8:30 pm)dining options. All cruise lines offer specialty restaurants(surcharges may apply). Specific dining details will be included on your cruise documents.

What should I pack? Cruise wear is similar to the dress code at any vacations resort. During the day , casual sportswear is in order both aboard and ashore. Bathing suits must be covered before entering any dining facility. Evenings are either smart-casual or formal, so men, be sure to pack a suit and tie, and ladies, that little black cocktail dress! You will be advised of the suggested dress code in the ship’s daily newsletter. Also, be sure to pack any items of a personal nature, walking shoes and fun things like cameras, travel guides and binoculars.

What kind of travel documents do I need? A valid passport is required and it is the responsibility of every guest, regardless of citizenship, to have the proper identification documents before embarking on a cruise. The cruise lines have the right to refuse boarding to anyone who does not have proper documents and no refund will be made.

Can I cruise if I am pregnant? Each cruise line has it’s policy regarding the boarding of pregnant guests. As a general rule, you will not be permitted to sail if you are in or beyond your 24th week of pregnancy. Please inquire at time of booking.

Should I arrive a day ahead of my cruise departure? Absolutely! Despite airlines’ intentions, delays may occur, potentially resulting in a missed cruise connection. In such cases, you will not be eligible for refund.

If you must choose a flight that arrives the same day as your ship sails, we recommend you purchase travel insurance that covers missed cruise connections.

When do I board the ship? On embarkation day, the ship is available for boarding several hours in advance of the scheduled sailing time. Specific details will be contained in the documents you received from your specific cruise line. All passengers must be on board at least one hour before sailing.

Will my itinerary change? Cruise lines may postpone, deviate or cancel any scheduled sailing date or port of call for any reason, at any time.

Bon Voyage!!!

TRAVELAERO TIPS – CRUISE WITH ME BABY!

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