Gene’s Cruise Blog

The Department of Homeland Security and State Department have issued the final rules for passport requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The new rules follow years of development following 9/11, and will go into effect June 1, 2009.

For the majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – requirements will remain largely unchanged. For U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port, a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, AND proof of citizenship (an original or certified copy of birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the State Department) will be required. A passport will not be needed.

All other passengers, including those on voyages which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port, will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.

We encourage travelers to obtain passports to allow the broadest travel opportunities. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at 800-349-5750.

One of the problems with having a site named, “Luxury Cruising” and compounded by having a “Cruise Blog” is that most people somehow get the idea that we here at SeaMaster Cruises in Colorado Springs only handle luxury cruises. Now I don’t know where an idea like that could possibly come from, but I’d like to set the record straight.

Those of you who frequently visit our weekly specials section have noticed that in addition to our normal selection of cruises to fantastic destinations, we’ve also been adding in some incredible deals on land-based vacations. You’ll find safari adventures, relaxing golf vacations, and much more in the future.

Be sure to check back often to see the current crop of great deals we have to offer. To get you started, check out this sampling of great vacation packages…

Four Luxurious Nights in Vienna
Discover two unforgettable residences in Vienna. Explore Hotel Bristol, an elegant meeting point for the city’s cultural and business life for more than 100 years located in the heart of Vienna, or enjoy a luxurious stay at the Hotel Imperial, originally the Vienna residence of the Prince of Württemberg. Experience these award-winning treasures for an enchanting retreat. This exclusive offer includes daily buffet breakfast, tax and the fourth night free for stays in 2008.

A Family Tradition in Singer Island
Experience residential sophistication and contemporary style in our all-suite oceanfront resort. Here, relaxation is an art form and luxury defined. Enjoy an array of amenities, multiple dining options and a global spa, a true haven for pampering. The kids will have fun of their own as a part of the Luxury Collection Kids Club, where they’ll enjoy indoor and outdoor activities indigenous to South Florida! This exclusive rate includes daily breakfast credit, daily half-day Kids Club for one child and one movie per stay. From $539 per night for a one-bedroom suite.

Weekend Retreat to Athens
With magnificent views of the Acropolis, an award-winning spa and an 18th century Alexander the Great tapestry, the Hotel Grande Bretagne offers guests an unparalleled experience at a refined destination. This exclusive includes daily buffet breakfast; one spa treatment per person, per stay; full use of GB Spa and Fitness Studio; double Starpoints^®; welcome amenity; daily newspaper and a late checkout of 4pm. From €345 per night. Available Thursday through Sunday with a two night minimum.

Whether it is a highly-publicized event involving passenger safety, or not publicized at all, cruise lines treat all incidents involving passenger well-being as their highest priority and do whatever possible to assist passengers or any third-party investigations involving passenger safety.

Cruise lines have a 95% satisfaction rating and depend on positive reviews from customers and the travel agency community to attract future customers and to ensure the return of current customers. It is not in the best interest of a cruise line to knowingly compromise, neglect or do anything to jeopardize its own reputation.

At U.S. cruise terminals, security procedures are similar to those used in airports, including a trip through a metal detector for embarking passengers. All cruise ship employees are screened thoroughly before they are hired and those working aboard ships operating to or from the United States are required to obtain U.S. visas and are subject to U.S. background checks prior to receiving their visa.

In 2007, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) formalized an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Coast Guard clarifying reporting procedures for alleged violations of U.S. law and must report all incidents immediately via telephone.

One of the most-anticipated aspects of a cruise vacation is all of the wonderful food on board. Cruise ship dining is legendary, and for good reason. You’re likely to find everything from favorites like cheeseburgers and fries to innovative gourmet dishes (prawns wrapped in pancetta and flamed in Armagnac, anyone?) on board. Plus, everything will be freshly made and beautifully presented by a talented culinary staff.

Most cruise ships are ready to take care of guests’ hunger pangs 24 hours a day, with a wide array of choices that range from super-healthy to deliciously decadent. Larger ships offer an increasing variety of dining venues, including traditional dining rooms, specialty restaurants, buffets, sushi bars, coffeehouses and ice cream parlors. For the ultimate in private dining, you can even call for room service.

The sheer variety of food available on a cruise ship often amazes guests, to say nothing of the quantity. One of the questions most frequently asked by cruise passengers is, “Just how much food is consumed on a cruise?” The answer may surprise you! Here is the shopping list for a 14-day cruise aboard the Celebrity Infinity, which can carry up to 2,038 guests:

Imagine how many shopping carts that grocery list would require! Of course, it does include most everything needed for all of the thousands of meals, snacks, desserts and refreshments served on a two-week cruise.

If you follow a vegetarian, kosher, diabetic, low-fat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol, gluten-free, lactose-free or other special diet, be sure to let me, your personal cruise expert know. Cruise ship culinary staffs are accustomed to accommodating special requests. With advance notice, they can provide a memorable dining experience within the limitations of virtually any special diet.

Ask for a dollar in change and you’ll get back 50 cents, maybe 75 cents.

Don’t think that’s fair?

Well, it really just depends on where you’re making the exchange — the United Kingdom or Europe — because that’s roughly what you’ll get in return for your U.S. dollar:  less than half in the U.K. and roughly three quarters in European countries using the Euro.

But before you totally cross off travel “across the pond,” consider: Cruise Holidays is reporting a 30.7% increase in cruise bookings for Europe year-over-year. Adding credence, according to the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, over 3.4 million U.S. travelers visited Europe from January through April of 2007.  That’s nearly twice the number of U.S. travelers to Mexico (1.8 million) or the Caribbean (1.8 million) in that same time span – and that’s high travel season for the latter two destinations!

Americans still go to Europe; but they’re finding more cost-effective means of going about their vacation. For millions, that cost-cutting solution is found aboard a cruise ship.

Whether it’s the Mediterranean or Baltic on a big ship, or cruising on the Danube or Rhine aboard a smaller, more intimate river cruise, a stateroom, dining and entertainment can be had all at one (U.S. currency based) price. Factoring in transportation costs to some of Europe’s most highly sought destinations plus the option to combine airfare and/or pre- or post-cruise accommodations into the total price, your vacation will be hard to beat in both enjoyment and in savings.

The cruise itself will save you money, but it’s the purchases made while in port where the exchange rate will be felt most. To minimize the financial impact on shore-side transactions, do a little research before you go.  Check with your bank or credit card companies before leaving home to see how they calculate currency exchange and what fees may be applied to your land-based purchases.  The best exchange rate may be by using an ATM card rather than a credit card.

Even with the poor exchange rate, this year has been a banner year for European cruising with more ships in the region than ever before, and cruise lines are already planning for another strong season in 2008. Capitalize on the array of itineraries available and the value of a European cruise by contacting us today.

Are you familiar with all of the latest airport security rules? You’d be surprised how many people are not. For those who don’t travel often, and even for those who do, here is a travel update to make getting through the airport as fast and smooth as possible.

It all starts at home. While packing, place items in your bag that are associated with each other, such as toiletries together, shoes together, etc. Stuffing, say, an electronic item in a shoe in your checked luggage could arouse suspicion by security – and has! For carry-on liquids or gels (toothpaste, shampoo, hand sanitizer, etc.), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires travelers to pack those items according to the 3-1-1 rule: three-ounce bottle or less; one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag, one bag per passenger.

If you’re in doubt about an item, pack it in your checked baggage, or just leave it out. You can always purchase it at your final destination.

If your flight is to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, remember that air travel to these regions does require a passport. However, if you’ve applied but haven’t received your passport prior to travel, proof of application will suffice until September 30, 2007. (Even so, you may still need to travel with a copy of your birth certificate.) After September 30, you will need a passport in-hand for entry back into the United States via air from Western Hemisphere destinations other than U.S territories or properties.

Plan on arriving at the airport much earlier than usual and adhere to your airlines check-in policy; normally 2 hours prior to domestic travel, 2-3 hours for international travel. With the influx of air travel this year, security lines can get long, so plan in some buffer time to allow for any delays.

Sixteen years ago, Croatia was making headlines for all the wrong reasons. A country at war, its future was fading under the hail of bullets and bombs. Now, after years of rebuilding its proud past, Croatia (and its cities along the Dalmatian coast) has again become one of Europe’s most popular vacation spots and a highly anticipated destination for Mediterranean cruisers. At the very south of the rugged coast, situated on the banks of the blue Adriatic waters, is the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik.

Encircled by high fortified walls, the Old City allows visitors to see all the notable sights and many exquisite structures dating back to the 13th through 15th centuries. One of the finest cloisters in Dalmatia and the third oldest (1391) functioning pharmacy in Europe can be found in the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery. The City Museum, displaying a fantastic arrangement of art and furnishings highlighting the city’s past, is housed in the former government seat at The Rector’s Palace and designer shops, galleries and restaurants are nestled within the Old City’s 1.5 mile ring of outer walls.

Truth be told, the soaring city walls attract the most attention. Reaching heights of 80 feet in some sections and interspersed with imposing towers, a walk atop the walls offers a spectacular view of the terra-cotta roofed city below, as well as the expansive Adriatic to the west and rolling mountains to the east.

Further north, Croatia’s second largest city of Split boasts some of the best Roman ruins in the world, in addition to a wealth of museums, art galleries, and palm trees. The centerpiece is of this city is the Diocletian’s Palace. The grandiose fortified palace was once the retirement enclave for Roman Emperor Diocletian (A.D. 245-316). Today, it is now part of the Old Town, and within its walls is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, where pre-Romanesque churches mingle with Gothic Chapels, museums, art galleries and inviting restaurants.

Outside the walls and along the waterfront is the picturesque Riva promenade. This has become a favorite for visitors and locals alike because the sun shines throughout the day (Split is one of Europe’s sunniest cities) upon people sipping coffee at sidewalk cafés or strolling the long palm-lined walkway.

Back to the shining European gem it once was, Croatia’s long and proud history is on full display. To get more information on Croatia and the cruises visiting its Dalmatian coast, give us a call.

Europe offers fascinating cities and cultures; most of which can be experienced while cruising its bordering oceans and seas. But that will only expose you to a small portion of what it has to offer. For a more in-depth, intimate look inside Europe, embark on a river cruise. Few rivers are better than the storied and scenic Rhine.

Between the Swiss Alps and the North Sea, Rhine River cruises interweave historic cities with quaint small towns and villages. By taking a river cruise down the Rhine you will likely experience:

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Within the interchanging canals and cultures is the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, canal rides to explore the city, and bikes – lots of them.
• Cologne, Germany – This city is home to one of the most awe inspiring Gothic churches in Europe, its own beer style called Kölsch, and a thriving art scene. Tracing back to 38 B.C., nearly every era of Cologne’s history can been seen during a visit.
• Koblenz and Rüdesheim, Germany – Connecting these two cities is the upper Middle Rhine Valley; a roughly 40-mile section sprinkled with wineries and more castles than any other river valley in the world.
• Heidelberg, Germany – One of the few German cities spared from WW II bombings, Heidelberg retains its architecture and charm of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Overlooking the town is Heidelberg Castle, a massive Gothic-Renaissance structure which is still a magnificent sight even in its various stages of deterioration (tours are available). This beautiful city is also home to Europe’s third-oldest educational institute.
• Strasbourg, France – At the center of Strasbourg, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grande Île where some of the city’s best attractions can be found including the Cathédrale Notre Dame (completed in 1439) and the Astronomical Clock found inside. The charming and picturesque Le Petite France area – consisting of canals, bridges, and medieval houses and buildings – is a must see.

Rhine River cruises usually end or begin in Basel, Switzerland.

European river cruising is definitely a departure from your standard big-ship cruise. Onboard, absent are the multiple dining venues, elaborate entertainment options, and the other bells and whistles of big-ship cruising. In exchange is a slower pace of travel, where the sights are the focal point and the intimate setting – you’ll travel with under 200 passengers – provides a better connection to fellow passengers and crew.

IsramWorld and its subsidiary companies, Orient Flexi-Pax and Latour, have added a new product series called The Elite Series, geared to the luxury traveler. The product is designed to combine the convenience of a set itinerary with the independence of a customized private luxury tour. The basis of each program is a series of hotel stays in top-level rooms at the finest hotels. Atop this basic framework is a private limousine with driver and a professional escort-guide, both of whom are with the passengers from the moment of arrival at the destination, to their departure seven, 10 or 15 days later.

The first product of the Elite Series will be India, a 12-night trip covering Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodphur. Hotels include luxury rooms at the Imperial in Delhi, Taj-facing rooms at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, and Udaipur’s Oberoi Udaivillas. In addition to private limousines, the “Elite Series” India trip includes business-class air between several cities, as well as several private visits and treats unavailable to regular travelers. A suggested touring itinerary is provided, with all entrance fees included, but the itinerary can be changed for the client on a day-to-day basis. Typically, the escort-guide will meet the guests at the airport on arrival, transfer with them to the hotel and then, depending on the guests’ energy level, sit with them that day or at breakfast the next day to plan the days ahead. In addition to India, upcoming “Elite Series” programs will cover Russia, Cambodia and Vietnam, China, Peru, Egypt and Israel. For more information, give us a call.

Why should you take insurance when you travel on a cruise or any leisure package? The recent hurricane activity is just one reason.

In the event of a hurricane, travel insurance can help cover your vacation investment if severe weather conditions directly affect your travel arrangements or accom­mo­dations. For example, if a covered severe weather condition forces the evacuation of your hotel or resort, the travel insurance can provide reimbursement for nonrefundable prepaid expenses, and additional travel expenses incurred, up to the policy limits.

Leisure travelers risk losing money invested in non-refundable tickets and prepaid deposits for trips you may end up missing. Add to that the inconvenience and expense of travel delays and missed connections and it’s clear that purchasing travel insurance is a smart decision.

In addition to covering your travel investments, AIG Travel Guard, our preferred travel insurance provider, plans to offer 24/7 emergency travel services, which come in handy when you are faced with emergency medical needs, encounter delayed flights, or have your luggage lost among the millions of other checked bags.

As reported in a USA Today article, “One of every two travelers heading to a foreign country will experience a health problem,” says Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky, a physician at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most are relatively minor, such as traveler’s diarrhea, but heart attacks, motor vehicle accidents and other more serious conditions are also common.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us.