Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, unveiled in Fort Lauderdale, is nearly 50% larger than the largest cruise ships now at sea. But it’s not just the ship’s size that has people talking. Built at a record cost of $1.4 billion, the 225,282-ton vessel is chock-full of industry firsts housed within seven themed neighborhoods. The 6,296-passenger vessel’s first cruise with paying passengers is set for Dec. 1. Click HERE for more details.
New York, NY (PRWEB) April 29, 2008 — New York’s best ships and itineraries for 2008/09 were named by the editorial staff of Cruising From New York, a web site devoted to passenger shipping from the three ports, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty (Bayonne), NJ.
According to Anne Campbell, editor of Cruising From New York, “Today every major cruise line has several ships that home port in New York for extended seasons of voyages ranging from a one-day party cruise to a 100-plus-day circumnavigation of the globe.”
Today every major cruise line has several ships that home port in New York for extended seasons of voyages ranging from a one-day party cruise to a 100-plus-day circumnavigation of the globe.
Over one million people sailed from New York’s three ports in 2007 and that number is expected to increase in 2008. Since 9/11, the number of ships and passengers has increased to the point that additional berthing facilities were opened in Red Hook, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey.
BEST CRUISE LINES AND SHIPS
New York’s Biggest Star: Queen Mary 2. Ballroom dancing to a live orchestra, high tea perfectly served, scholarly guest lecturers, a dog kennel and the ultimate in creature comforts keep the British maritime heritage alive and well.
Best Ship for Families: Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas. A big kid pleaser due to her rock climbing wall, roller blading, ice-skating and private teen club, Explorer of the Seas is hugely popular with cruisers of all ages.
Biggest Bang For The Buck: Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships boast large cabins, the best entertainment and exceptionally good food.
Best Onboard Dining Program: Princess Cruises’ ships. Princess offers the choice of single open seating dining or traditional two seating dining plus a Lido Restaurant that serves great food 24 hours per day.
Best New York Itineraries: Princess Cruises’ Caribbean, Europe and Canada/New England cruises from Brooklyn.
Best Ships For Laid-back Cruisers: Norwegian Cruise Line’s vessels. NCL’s popular “Freestyle Cruising” program means you may dine when and with whom you please in numerous restaurants. And, formal attire isn’t required.
BEST ITINERARIES OF 2008/09
Caribbean: (Princess) Caribbean Princess sails on nine-day Eastern Caribbean voyages round-trip from Brooklyn to Bermuda, Grand Turk, San Juan and St. Thomas
Bermuda: (Royal Caribbean & NCL) RCI’s Explorer of the Seas sails on six-day Bermuda cruises from Cape Liberty and Norwegian Cruise Line’ Norwegian Dawn makes seven-day Bermuda voyages from Manhattan
Canada/New England: (Princess) Sea Princess’ ten-night cruises between Brooklyn and Quebec City calling in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown
Europe: Six-night transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton aboard Queen Mary 2
Short Cruise: Aug. 29, 2008 three-night cruise to nowhere aboard Holland America’s brand new Eurodam sailing from Manhattan.
Best Long Cruise: Sea Princess’ 14-day Iceland & Greenland voyage from Southampton, UK to Brooklyn departing Aug. 30, 2008. Ports of call: Bergen, Norway; Shetland Islands, Scotland; Faroe Islands, Denmark; Iceland; Nanortalik, Greenland; St. Johns, Nova Scotia.
MIAMI, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Carnival Cruise Lines — a relative newcomer in European cruising, entering the market just three years ago — is well represented in the recently published Fodor’s Complete Guide to European Cruises, garnering nine “Best of Cruising” designations, more than double the number of any other cruise line.
Fodor’s Complete Guide to European Cruises is an annual publication providing comprehensive overviews of all major cruise lines operating within the region, along with travel tips, detailed port-of-call information and other helpful content aimed at experienced and first-time cruisers alike.
Carnival’s nine “Best of Cruising” awards include:
— Best Regular Dining Room Cuisine
— Best Specialty Restaurants
— Best Cruise Line For Families
— Best Regular Cabins
— Best Beds
— Best Entertainment At Sea
— Best Sports and Fitness Centers
— Best Shops on Board
— Best Fun & Funky Activities
According to Carnival’s Executive Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s nine awards reflect many of the signature elements of a “Fun Ship” cruise — outstanding dining, spacious and comfortable accommodations, modern spa and children’s facilities, and fun- filled activities for guests of all ages, all of which add up to memorable vacations.
“Considering that Carnival has been sailing in Europe for just three years, it is indeed an honor to be named ‘Best of Cruising’ by Fodor’s in so many different categories,” Rodriguez said. “We pride ourselves on providing our guests with fun, high quality vacations — regardless of where our ‘Fun Ships’ are sailing — and this recognition is a wonderful validation of our efforts,” he added.
“By providing the ‘Best of Cruising’ to readers, Fodor’s identifies the cruise lines and ships that offer the highest quality in features sought by today’s passengers. I’m pleased that Carnival Cruise Lines has consistently met and exceeded our expectations in nine ‘Best of Cruising’ categories,” said Linda Coffman, who, along with veteran travel journalists Ralph Grizzle and Lindsay Bennett, serve as editors of Fodor’s “Best of Cruising” section.
Carnival’s entry into Europe began in 2005 with a series of cruises aboard Carnival Liberty and, over the past three years, the line has tripled its number of voyages within the region.
This year, Carnival will deploy two ships in Europe for the first time, including its newest and largest ship, the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, which will launch the line’s first-ever 12-day Northern Europe program. Joining the Carnival Splendor will be the Carnival Freedom, which will operate Carnival’s popular Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey cruises. Carnival will deploy two ships to Europe in 2009, as well.
In addition to European cruises, Carnival operates three- to 18-day voyages to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, New England, the Panama Canal, Bermuda and South America aboard its 22-vessel fleet.
For additional information and reservations on the “Fun Ship” vacation experience, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com .
Yonkers, NY (PRWEB) April 24, 2008 — Pleasure cruising is a nearly 200-year-old concept. Since its inception, the idea of customer comfort has evolved from having a cow on board to provide fresh milk in 1840 to an industry filled with extravagant “floating” hotels, equipped with every imaginable amenity and luxury.
While in the 1800’s there may not have been much choice, today choices are so limitless they can be overwhelming.
Everyone focuses on destination, which is an essential piece, but - as the vintage cruise ship ads state ‘Getting there is half the fun,’
Roy Witman, Vice President of Cruise Vacation Center, a New York-based cruise planning firm, helps clients navigate the details. “Everyone focuses on destination, which is an essential piece, but - as the vintage cruise ship ads state ‘Getting there is half the fun,’” he said. “There is so much on board to take advantage of as well.”
Witman and his crew at Cruise Vacation Center have booked in excess of 100,000 cruises, including, Royal Caribbean, European cruises, and Mediterranean cruises for clients since 1993 and always advise their clients on the following details:
Destination - Cruises offer something for everyone. Some vacations are designed to be family-friendly, while others are for couples or retirees. Before booking, take the time to talk with your travel agent about whom you’ll be traveling with, their ages and the likes and dislikes of the group.
Diets - Virtually all major cruise lines can handle special dietary requests. Low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar, low-carb, vegetarian, kosher and other types of meal services are available by request. You may want to make your special needs known when booking your cruise.
Seasickness - While modern ships feature technologically advanced stabilizers, for an extra precaution book a cabin near the center of the ship to alleviate as much motion as possible. In addition, it has been proven that you’re least likely to get seasick when sailing in the Caribbean. The islands buffer the motion of the Atlantic Ocean, making the waters generally calm.
Carry-on - From the time you check your baggage until the time it is delivered to your stateroom may be several hours. Bring a small carry-on bag with a few necessities, such as a toothbrush, running shoes, swimsuit, a change of clothes, makeup and hair brush to start enjoying the vacation immediately.
Passport - Chances are, you will need a passport for your upcoming vacation. Many cruisers assume they can use a birth certificate because they have used one in the past. The U.S. Department of State is requiring all United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere to carry a passport. This initiative requires passports for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America. Processing time normally takes six weeks. Details and applications can be found online at www.travel.state.gov or at your local post office.
Attire - With a little consideration and planning, you can be fully prepared for all the exciting activities on and off the ship. Do you plan to work out while on the ship? Are you going to take excursions that require lots of walking? Are there particular sites you want to see that might dictate special dress requirements? Pack accordingly for preferred dining and entertainment options. Most attire aboard is casual, so check the weather for the cities you’ll visit and bring weather appropriate clothes.
Rewards - If you take repeat cruises on the same cruise line, you’ll want to look into joining their repeat cruisers club. Most cruise lines offer incentives in the form of coupons for vacationers who book repeated cruises with the same line year after year. Discounts at the spa, the shops and other fee-based shipboard activities mean you can have more fun for less cash!
Budget - Despite the “all-inclusive vacation” designation, some things aren’t included in the cost of the cruise. For instance, spa treatments, excursions, some drinks, phone calls, internet access, etc. incur an additional cost. It’s always wise to ask your travel agent or your steward.
Cameras - When cruising, a digital is the way to go. Most cruise ships now offer digital photo kiosks onboard. You can instantly obtain full-color prints and keepsakes from your digital photos like customized postcards, mouse pads, key rings and more.
Planning - Oftentimes, travelers think that, because their cruise departs in the late afternoon, they can drive or fly into the port city the day of their cruise. This has led to people literally missing the boat because their flight was delayed at some point or because of traffic tie-ups. To be on the safe side, plan to arrive at the port city the day before your cruise.
Following these tips will help you research, book and enjoy a memorable cruise.
About Cruise Vacation Center
Since 1993, Cruise Vacation Center has sent over 250,000 passengers sailing. After going on many cruises, founders Kathy and Roy Witman thought they were the best vacations and wanted to spread the word. They opened Cruise Vacation Center to deal exclusively with cruise vacations. Cruise Vacation Center is fully accredited, licensed, bonded and insured. They are members of Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and Vacation.com - a national organization specializing in cruise travel. Cruise Vacation Center strives to provide clients with a cruise specifically planned to their tastes, always providing extraordinary personal service and the lowest prices. To learn more call 800.803.7245 or visit www.cruisevacationcenter.com.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 24 /PRNewswire/ — Wine and travel buffs will not want to miss this exclusive opportunity. Cruise Holidays has teamed with Virginia’s favorite award-winning winery, Pearmund Cellars (www.PearmundCellars.com), and Oceania Cruises to offer a one-of-a-kind wine cruise to the heart of Mediterranean wine country. This wine-cruise spectacular will feature a port-intensive itinerary to some of the Mediterranean’s most desirable ports of call coupled with exclusive onboard wine tastings, an anticipated private onboard wine-and-food pairing dinner and cocktail reception. Sprinkled throughout the cruise will be optional shore excursions available exclusively to Cruise Holidays clients to some of the most intimate and less public wineries in Italy and France. Along the way, wine expert and owner of Pearmund Cellars, Chris Pearmund and his wife Lisa, will offer guests insight into the burgeoning Virginia wine business and the fine art of wine making.
The 10-night cruise, aboard Oceania Cruises’ Nautica, departs Rome, Italy on June 17, 2009. It visits a different port each day to include Sorrento, Amalfi, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, and Marseille, before debarking in Barcelona, Spain on June 27, 2009. Rates begin at just $2,999 per guest, plus taxes and fuel surcharge. The rate includes roundtrip airfare from Washington, Dulles and other select gateway cities across North America. Clients who book by May 15, 2008, also will enjoy a $150 per stateroom shipboard amenity credit to further enhance their experience.
“We are always striving to offer our clients unique and varied options in luxury leisure travel,” says Jim Work, co-owner of Cruise Holidays of Alexandria. “This cruise combines the best of Virginia’s wine industry with an unbeatable Mediterranean itinerary which we have enhanced with exclusive onboard and shore-side activities for our clients interested in wine and the culinary arts,” Work explains.
Space on the Mediterranean wine cruise is limited and 2009 sales have been brisk. To book requires a per person deposit of $750 per guest; no further payment is due until 90 days prior to the sail date. Clients interested in booking onto the cruise can obtain more information by contacting Cruise Holidays of Alexandria toll free at 866-368-7327, or visiting the company’s website at www.LuxuryCruiseCounselors.com.
NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire - March 31, 2008) - As sophisticated travelers seek more active and enriching vacations for themselves and their families, Burgess, the global superyacht experts, now offer a one-of-a-kind experience aboard Seafaris, a 134.5-ft yacht located in Australia’s the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel was designed and built exclusively for authentic “reef sea-fari” adventures, including fishing, SCUBA, snorkeling, wakeboarding and kayaking, which are enhanced by the priceless amenity of the local crew’s knowledge and expertise on all matters in and out of the water. Week-long “sea-faris” are priced at roughly $160,000 per week inclusive.
With deluxe accommodations for ten guests in five ensuite staterooms, gym, hydrotherapy spa, professional fishing equipment, teppanyaki bars, deck Jacuzzi, and every conceivable watersport, communication and entertainment gadget imaginable, Seafaris offers the ideal environment for high quality family time.
According to Captain Duncan Smith, guests are more adventurous aboard Seafaris because adventure is at their fingertips. Even the names are exciting: from the north of the Ribbon Reefs all the way to the cape, families can catch giant trevally, dogtooth and yellow fin tuna, red emperor, coral trout, golden mackerel, marlin and sailfish. Families dive and snorkel at Dynamite Pass, Osprey Reef or the Snake Pit, not to mention Steve’s Bommie and Cod Hole, famous for its schools of friendly giant potato cod.
Seafaris’ crew provides introductory scuba lessons, and helps experienced divers explore the Reef. They bait up and unhook beginners’ first catch, and share inside information with the more expert angler. Seafaris carries both light and heavy tackle for the sport fishing element as well. The crew is local and knows every secret nook and cranny. Never mind the talents of the on-board chef, who cooks fresh catch to perfection on the yacht’s two outdoor teppanyaki bars.
Below the waves, there are beautiful coral and clam gardens. Families feed fish in the crystal clear waters of Osprey Reef; swim among massive schools of barracuda and grouper, and dive, escorted by turtles, to meet huge pelagic fish, manta rays and minke whales. Best of all, families do not have to share the best dive sites with anyone else. Novices learn the basics in safe calm waters of a sand cay or from the yacht’s hydraulic platform.
Founded in 1975 with offices across Europe and North America, including New York, Miami and Seattle, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specializing in yachts of over 130-feet. Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational management. The Burgess brokerage division has been involved in the sale of many of the world’s most significant yachts, while the new construction division is currently supervising more new build superyachts than any other firm. Burgess’ first-class charter service offers a portfolio of the finest yachts in the most stunning destinations. The superyacht credentials of Burgess are unmatched in the industry, ensuring that clients enjoy the highest levels of customer service. www.burgessyachts.com.
MIAMI, March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,974- passenger Carnival Conquest will offer a new seven-day itinerary from Galveston, Texas, that will include port calls to Key West, Fla., and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas.
The new weeklong cruise option will be offered approximately once a month from February 2009 through April 2010 and will complement the ship’s existing Western Caribbean cruise schedule featuring stops at Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.
“Carnival is the number one cruise line sailing from Galveston, operating more ships and carrying more passengers than any other cruise line, and this new Eastern Caribbean itinerary provides yet another exciting seven-day option designed to appeal to both repeat guests and first-time cruisers,” said Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.
While Key West may be famous to some for its Key Lime pie and conch cuisine, America’s southernmost tip is filled with colorful bars and equally colorful characters in what may as well be the tropics. For history enthusiasts, Ernest Hemingway’s house displays his original manuscripts and is home to his famed six-toed cats.
Freeport and Nassau embody the laid-back atmosphere of The Bahamas with their pristine white sand, turquoise waters, gentle surf and exotic marine life. For those who prefer a more active experience, the islands also offer sophisticated shopping, world-class fishing, Victorian mansions and vibrant bazaars.
Carnival Conquest, the signature vessel in the line’s popular Conquest- class series, offers a host of on-board facilities and features: 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools — one with a 214-foot-long “Twister Waterslide — a 14,500-square-foot spa, a variety of formal and casual dining options, ship-wide Wi-Fi Internet access and cell phone service.
Family friendly amenities include three different youth programs — “Camp Carnival” for ages 2-11, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and “Club O2″ for older teens — with facilities, activities and counselors specific to their age group.
Carnival Conquest also offers a variety of accommodation categories, all of which feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system, with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit http://www.carnival.com .
MIAMI, March 5 /PRNewswire/ — Celebrity Cruises, known for providing “star treatment” to its guests, plans to offer star treatment to one of its ships. Celebrity Galaxy will undergo an approximately $4-million makeover during its scheduled drydock in Freeport, Bahamas, from April 18 through May 2. During that time:
— The ship’s two-level main dining room will be completely refurbished,
with new, contemporary carpeting, reupholstered and newly varnished
chairs, new waiter stations, and entirely new floor-to-ceiling
columns.
— The adjacent RendezVous Lounge will be enhanced with entirely new
upholstery, as will the Martini Bar, one of the Celebrity brand’s most
popular signature spaces.
— Not to be upstaged, the Celebrity Theater will be completely
refurbished, with new carpeting and upholstery throughout.
— The casual dining and buffet areas will be entirely revitalized, with
new chairs, carpeting, upholstery and lighting.
— The neighboring pool deck area will be made even more inviting, with
new teak bolidt decking, and striking new glass tiles surrounding the
pool.
— The retail area also will be enhanced, with entirely refurbished
jewelry boutiques and brighter, more contemporary new product-display
areas throughout.
— The Stratosphere Lounge - an observation area by day and dance club by
night - will feature entirely new carpets and lounge seating
upholstery.
— Contemporary new carpeting will be laid in 250 staterooms, and new
sinks and new upholstery will complement the same work that already
has been completed in the balance of the ship’s staterooms.
Additionally, Celebrity Galaxy’s Michael’s Club jazz/piano bar — a Celebrity signature favorite across the fleet — already has been entirely refurbished.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour affiliate. Noted for “The Top Cruise Ships in the World,” as voted by the readers of Conde’ Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com. And for more information about Celebrity Solstice, visit www.cruisecelebritysolstice.com.
1- Norwegian Gem 
Debuted Oct. 2007, 93,000 tons, 2,380 passengers in double occupancy, sails in Europe, Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.
The ship’s full-size, four-lane bowling alley is a good place to test your sea legs, while foodies can sample the fare at 10 dining spots, whose cuisine ranges from Italian to steakhouse, French bistro to Asian restaurant; there’s even a teppanyaki room and a sushi bar. Spend time in one of the three 450-square-foot Garden Villas, complete with private outdoor garden, and you’ll forget you’re on a ship.
2- Queen Victoria 
Debuted Dec. 2007, 90,000 tons, 1,990 passengers, double occupancy, sails in Europe, Asia, South Pacific and Middle East.
This ship has class. Or, rather classes-there are separate restaurants, lounges and deck space for the suite guests. Full of British airs and grace, the Queen Victoria sports Cunard’s traditional black-and-red livery and inside, a 1,000-square-foot ballroom with an inlaid wooden dance floor, a museum of Cunard memorabilia, a two-level 6,000-book library and a show lounge with 15 private boxes and lounge area.
3- MSC Poesia 
Debuts March 2008, 89,000-tons, 2,550-passengers, sails in Europe.
This ship explodes with color and caters to an international crowd. The three-deck theater is dramatic before the curtain ever rises; likewise, the 8,000-square-foot casino is big on glitz. In addition to the spa and gym, active types will enjoy the tennis court, golf simulator and miniature golf course.
4- Costa Serena 
Debuted May 2007; 112,000 tons, 3,000 passengers double occupancy; sails in Europe.
This Italian ship’s bells and whistles include Murano glass lamps in cabins, a huge digital movie screen on the pool deck, a Grand Prix driving simulator, and 99 special spa cabins that allow private access to the spa plus lots of perks including free treatments.
5- Independence of the Seas 
Debuts April, 2008; 160,000 tons, 3,634 passengers double occupancy; sails in Europe and the Caribbean.
This monster holds the title of biggest cruise ship in the world (along with her twin sisters Freedom and Liberty) and so it’s no surprise she offers larger-than-life stuff to do. From a top-deck “sprayground” water park to a surfing simulator, full-sized boxing ring, climbing wall and a pair of hot tubs cantilevered 20 feet out over the side of the ship, Independence breathes fresh air into the tired “floating city” cliché.
6- Eurodam 
Debuts June 2008, 86,000 tons, 2,044 passengers double occupancy; sails in Europe, Caribbean and New England/Canada.
Holland America’s newest ship sports the line’s signature navy blue hull and handsome profile. Below decks, three specialty restaurants include a Pan-Asian and an Italian venue, for a total of five eating outlets. Couch potatoes will love the ship’s Starbucks-style internet-café-cum-library, unless of course you’d rather check out a new recipe in the ship’s slick demo kitchen.
7- MSC Fantasia 
Debuts June 2008; 133,500-tons, 3,959-passengers, sails in Europe.
Sticking to Europe and carrying mostly Europeans, this behemoth is MSC Cruises’ largest ship to date. Notables range from an interactive 4-D cinema and a 24-hour Tex Mex restaurant, to a sports bar and VIP treatment for the ship’s 99 suites, including access to a private observation lounge, bar, hot tub and pool.
8- Carnival Splendour 
Debuts July 2008, 113,000-tons, 3,006-passengers, Europe/Mexico.
Aside from five restaurants and a hangover-inducing 22 bars, the ship has a giant two-deck-high spa sprawling across 17,800 square feet. It includes the line’s first thalassotherapy pool—a souped-up therapeutic hot tub. While mom and dad are soaking, kids can live it up in the 5,500 square-foot playroom—also the line’s biggest. A giant poolside video screen blasts movies, music videos and ship events.
9- Ruby Princess 
Debuts Nov. 2008; 113,000 tons, 3,080 passengers double occupancy, sails to Caribbean.
Ruby touts The Sanctuary, a top-deck haven for adults seeking some quiet time. Dotted with lounge chairs, trees, and private cabanas, “serenity stewards” mill around keeping the peace and shushing loud talkers. There’s a $15 cover charge to get in and massages and drinks are extra. For something louder, a giant video screen up on deck broadcasts movies, concerts and other stuff all day (and night) long—including on-board marriage proposals. If you’re ready to tie the knot, the captain officiates weddings in the ship’s chapel.
10- Celebrity Solstice 
Debuts Dec. 2008, 118,000-tons, 2,850 passengers, sails to Caribbean.
The ship totally breaks the mold with a half acre of real grass on her top deck. Called the Lawn Club, it’s the place to play bocce ball and croquet, practice putting or just sit around with a coffee or a cocktail. Another what’s-that-doing-on-a-cruise-ship gimmick is glassblowing; three resident artists do demos and offer classes. And there’s more: the Solstice has 10 restaurants and 130 “AquaClass” spa cabins with private access to the spa and spa restaurant.
As we all know, spring break isn’t just for college students anymore. It’s not just margaritas, clubs, and hanging out on the beach. Many families and young professionals are joining the annual trend of a post-winter break in the sun. Another trend? Many students are ditching a week of fun in the sun to spend their days volunteering in a foreign country.
Regardless of their reason or destination, thousands of “spring breakers” are preparing for their upcoming travels and Europ Assistance USA, providers of travel and related assistance services, wants to make sure they have safe and smooth trips.
From a reminder to behave yourself to advice on exchange rates to something simple as knowing how to phone home or call for help, Europ Assistance is offering tips and advice that will help any spring breaker … whether partying in Mexico, relaxing with family in Bermuda, or building houses in Panama.
Travel Tips Help Ensure Smart, Safe and Healthy Trips
WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - February 27, 2008) - Every year, millions of students participate in the annual rite of passage that is spring break. However, each year more families, young professionals, and other travelers join coeds in ditching the dreary days of winter for a week of fun in the sun, a cross-country road trip or giving their time on community service-based trips. As Americans prepare for their travels, Europ Assistance USA, the professional ally for people in crisis or distress, offers the following tips to ensure smooth spring break trips.
1. Do your Homework. Find out whether you will need to have a passport or visa to travel to your destination. The U.S. Department of State website ( http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/safety/safety_2836.html )provides this information. Get background information about where you are going by visiting the CIA Factbook site (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html), which features overviews of the history, climate, political situation, demographics and industries of countries around the world.
2. It’s All About the Benjamins. Read up on exchange rates and make sure you know how much you are really paying for your purchases. Contact your bank and credit card companies with your itinerary so they know to authorize payments. You may also want to ask them about ATMs and getting the best exchange rates.
3. Get to Know the Phone. Learn how to make phone calls from your destination, whether you are in an emergency or just to check back with friends and family at home.
4. Share Your Plan. Make sure to leave copies of your itineraries and passports with family members at home. If you should lose your passport or luggage, having additional copies of these important documents can help you get out of a jam.
5. Lock it Up. Once at your destination, make sure to secure your personal documents. Take advantage of in-room or front-desk safes by locking up passports, credit cards, and other important documents and valuable.
6. Speak the Language. If you have food allergies, be sure to write down how to say those foods in the language spoken in the country you are visiting. It is amazing how people can communicate without speaking the same language, but if your throat swells after eating shellfish, you may want to learn how to say shrimp in Spanish.
7. Empty Your Wallet. Avoid carrying excessive amounts of money and multiple credit cards and make sure to have a back-up credit card. If you become a victim of theft or lose your card, you won’t be stuck without money. When you return home, make sure to check your statements to ensure safe transactions occurred.
8. Get Covered. Check with your health insurance company to see what medical coverage you have in your destination country. Make sure to get the necessary vaccinations if there are country specific health warnings where you are visiting. Avoid illness by visiting your health care provider 4-6 weeks ahead of time, following his or her recommendations for preparation and treatment in the case of sickness.
9. Look Both Ways. Too many spring breakers are hurt or injured each year while vacationing. Make sure to set and follow personal rules for safety: always travel with at least one other person, limit exposure of valuables including jewelry, avoid excessive drinking, and beware of unmarked taxis or other public transportation.
10. Behave Yourself. For Real. Respect local customs, establishments and people and remember that spring break is an excuse to relax, not to act inappropriate. Many countries have different laws regarding public safety, water safety, and violations of law, so make sure you know these rules before visiting. If you find yourself in trouble, contact the closest U.S. Consulate.
“Expect the unexpected couldn’t ring more true when it comes to travel, especially during spring break when spirits are high and often carefree,” said Europ Assistance CEO Guillaume Deybach. “Lost passports, sudden illness, or unforeseen expenses can turn a dream vacation south. By taking precautions to ensure our safety and well-being we can, perhaps, achieve peace of mind when it’s most desired.”
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