“D” is for the Do’s and Don’t of Visiting Dubai-Our Middle East Adventure

Posted on 05/01/202305/03/2023 by Debbie

Our cruise came to an end in the city of Dubai. As we left the ship, we were happy to have completed two of the five legs along the 2023 Island Princess World Cruise. After 55 days on board, this was actually the halfway point of the 110 day cruise and nearly double the length of time we had originally planned on being on board.

It was before 7am as our ship pulled into the port. The day began with a spectacular orange sunrise. Normally a red sky in the morning would be a warning for rain or stormy weather ahead, but Dubai sits in the middle of the Arabian Desert. With an annual rainfall of just 4 inches a year, there was little chance of seeing any moisture on this day. The sunrise was more likely being affected from the permanent haze caused by the blowing sands.

As we sailed past the “Atlantis Dubai”, an all inclusive resort and waterpark reflecting the “Lost City of Atlantis”, it quickly became apparent that we had arrived in a country of opulence. It is difficult to imagine that this city started as little more than a fishing village. It has now grown to be the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates Republic (UAE).

Most would assume that Dubai’s wealth was the result of oil. In fact oil and gas only account for about 2% of all exports! Real estate and construction are the largest contributors to the economic growth of the country. When 85% of the population is made from expats, it is easy to see why this is one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

Truth be told, I was a little nervous about visiting this city. This is a country with deep traditions and customs, many of which are quite different from our Western way of life. Mostly my concerns stemmed from my own ignorance about what to expect. A little research solved that problem. Perhaps by sharing our observations, we can help to dispel any concerns about visiting this amazing location.

1. The majority of the population is Muslim. This is a deeply rooted religion with different rules than those of Christianity. The most important “do” is to respect this. Part of being a world traveler is to immerse yourself in new cultures. Each new location presents an opportunity to learn, embrace it.

2. Muslims pause to pray 5 times a day. Prayers are before dawn (Fajr), afternoon (Dhuhr), late afternoon (Asr), after sunset (Maghrib) and evening (Isha). There are loud speakers throughout the city which call worshippers to prayer at regular intervals throughout the day. Don’t be alarmed when you hear the calls. Unlike in Christianity Holy day is Friday. This means many businesses offer limited hours on Fridays, if they open at all. Do plan accordingly.

3. Do take public transportation or use a taxi. We rented a car to explore the city and stressed ourselves out completely. Traffic on the seven lane highways is fast and a bit difficult. Our GPS had trouble distinguishing from when we were on a highway verses a frontage road, meaning we were often off course, which cost us precious time. Since we were only in the city for a little over 24 hours, we couldn’t spare any. The city is beautiful and there is much to see. Traffic is so busy you will not want to take your eyes off the road which means you will miss some of these spectacular sights. Take a taxi or take the Metro. If you choose to ride the train, it will be busy during rush hour. There are a few cars for women only. if you are male, don’t ride in these female only cars or you will be fined. Speaking of fines, do not eat or drink on the Metro, it is prohibited.

4. Dubai is spread out with several distinct districts. Some are more difficult to access without transportation. Do know the district your hotel and/or desired activities are in.

5. With the exception of smoking cessation gum, you will not find gum for sale in Dubai so do bring your own if you need it. Don’t spit or throw your gum on the sidewalk, both are punishable crimes.

6. You are going to be hot, so do dress accordingly. Dubai is warm year around. The most comfortable time to visit is during “winter” months of December, January and February. You can still expect temperatures to be in the high 70’s (25C). At the opposite end of this spectrum it is up to 113F (45C) during the summer months! Light, loose clothing will keep you comfortable. Speaking about clothing, do remember you are a guest in these lands. Different from the western world it is expected that men and women both dress modestly to observe Islamic traditions, Knees and shoulders should be covered by both sexes. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

7. Do exchange some money. When using cash, only local currency (Emirati durham) will be accepted.

8. The best don’t is don’t worry about your safety (within reason of course). Dubai has an incredibly low crime rate.

9. Do not miss visiting the popular tourist spots! Be sure to see the Burj Khalifa, The tallest building in the world is an architectural wonder. The views from the 124th floor are slightly nauseating and completely awe inspiring. Do expect the lines to be long. If time is limited most of the tourist hot spots offer a “skip the line pass”. As an added bonus, the Burj is attached to the Dubai Mall which is another one of the must see locations in Dubai. We also suggest a visit to the Gold and Spice Souks, Old Dubai and the Miracle Gardens (which we completed all in one day).

10. Alan and I are very affectionate with each other, There is rarely a time when we aren’t holding hands. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Dubai. In fact, if you are not married, even holding hands is frowned upon. It was a tough don’t for Alan and I to remember. Along these same lines, unmarried couples should not plan on staying in the same hotel room. Doing so, could lead to fines and/or deportation.

11. As a traveler it is fun to photograph different cultures. People can be so different but do be polite and ask permission before taking someones photo. Alternately you could take photos of other things and just happen yo capture the environment.

12. Don’t take pictures of Government Buildings. As we were cruising down the above waterway, there was a cool bridge just before our boat turned around to return us to our starting point. Shortly after taking this picture there were also numerous signs warning no photography beyond a certain point. I am not sure what lay beyond that bridge but if the Emirates might consider your photo an issue of national security, you really don’t want to be in trouble with the law in foreign lands. Do follow the rules, punishments may be strict for seemingly minor (and perhaps innocent) infractions.

13. Speaking about laws, Alcohol is available in most hotels, licensed restaurants and clubs. One thing is certain, the U.A,E does not tolerate public inebriation. Do not ever drink and drive, the legal limit is zero.

14. Finally, do not try to carry prohibited items. It is especially important to remember that you packed a pen knife in your carry on luggage before you pass through security at the airport. Failing to do so might bring a search of your bags and a very serious security agent to your side! Thankfully I wasn’t carted off to any back rooms. Do expect that you will be questioned and asked to surrender your “weapons”, if you forget.

Dubai is one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East. With the large expat community there is a tolerance for most differences. With these few simple guidelines you should have enough familiarity to feel comfortable in this amazing country.

“I” is For Island Princess-A Cruise Ship Review

Posted on 01/26/202301/22/2023 by Debbie

One of the most important things about cruising is choosing the right ship for your personal needs. From amenities to cabins, itineraries and passenger capacity, knowing what your ship offers can have a big impact on how you enjoy your vacation.

Every cruise line has a brand. Some are party boats, others offer upscale luxury. Some ships specialize in their food, others focus on entertainment. Some cruises cater to families, others to retirees. Princess is an American-British company, owned by Carnival Corporation, which is the second largest agency by net revenue. Carnival owns 10 different sub agencies, Princess is one of them. They are an experienced cruise line and cater to a middle to upper income crowd.

Princess is a classic line, offering an Old English/European feel. I have consistently found the brand to be slightly elevated and catering to an older clientele. There is less emphasis on poolside parties and more on educational lectures and cultural experiences. With this cruise line we can expect nice staterooms, decent food, great entertainment and amazing itineraries.

It is important to define what you are seeking before shopping for a cruise. If you are looking for a party boat, Princess is likely not your brand (however Carnival does offer several other companies which would meet your needs). While there are enough poolside activities and bars to keep the ship interesting, the focus tends to be on providing an upscale resort-like experience.

Princess offers 16 ships ranging from 2,000 passengers up to 3660, so there are a nice variety of size options. Island Princess was one of the first. She is a relatively small vessel. In general, smaller ships are able to navigate to more destinations but larger ships may offer additional amenities and activities.

When we chose to embark on the Island Princess, it was the itinerary, size and price which attracted us the most.

Princess ships sail to over 700 ports. The Island Princess is one of the smaller ships in the Princess fleet. With a capacity of 2200 passengers it is a very intimate ship. She has a twin sister called the Coral Princess.

Island Princess is narrower than many other cruise ships and her small size allows her to explore the fjords of Norway and Alaska (which is how we discovered the cruise line). She is also able to dock at smaller ports. Of late Island Princess has been doing mostly world tours. Of interest might be that she is one of the few cruise ships which can sail through the old Panama Canal locks, larger ships must use the new ones.

Perhaps one drawback to the smaller ship would be that passengers should expect to feel more wave action, so if you are prone to seasickness, the Island Princess may be less appealing than one of the newer (larger) ships in the fleet.

Having been built in 2003, Island Princess is one of the oldest ships in the Princess line. She was completely remodeled in 2017 and put back into service with a brand new itinerary. Our Pacific Island Adventure is one leg of a 111 day around the world cruise. This feature in itself is unique, since Princess allows passengers to purchase various segments along the itinerary, if they are unable to commit to the entire trip.

World cruises can mean a lot of days at sea. From bow to stern, Princess put a lot of effort into creating a luxurious environment. The European flare is represented in the Italian styled Piazza located at the center of the ship and the beautiful Sabatinni restaurant. Polished brass and rich wood work brings an Old World style to many of the bars and lounges including the Wheelhouse Bar and a New Orleans styled Bayou Steakhouse.

The entire ship is always a hub of activity, but with a nice variety of spaces, it is able to be as active or as serene as you need. By day there are a variety of shops and plenty of lounges and gathering places for activities such as trivia challenges and guest lecturers. There are numerous options of where to eat including the above mentioned restaurants, two main dining rooms, a grill, a pizzeria and a buffet. We might pass the time with a wine tasting, pub lunches and/or afternoon tea. When we need a quieter pace we could choose to visit the adults only sanctuary at the top of the ship, a well appointed library or indulge in pampering in a small spa. We might lounge by one of several (freshwater) pools situated both indoor and out, or we might decide to walk around the promenade deck or exercise in the fitness center.

By night Princess continues to entertain with a variety of Broadway style shows, magicians, comedians, piano bars, jazz bands, a casino and more. Unique to the Princess brand is the Champagne Waterfall, offered on one of the formal evenings. This is yet another nod to the elevated luxury we find aboard this ship. We also find people dress up more on these evenings than they do on other cruise lines. When we seek quieter activities, we might choose to snuggle under provided blankets, while eating popcorn or cookies and milk and taking in a Movie Under the Stars. This is one of our favorite ways to unwind when we are on the seas.

After all of this activity we are often ready to retreat to our stateroom. The entire Princess line offers some of the most comfortable mattresses and linens of any cruise line.

We always book a balcony cabin. For us, this little piece of heaven offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the ship. Being able to step out into fresh air and watch icebergs, sunrises/sunsets, whales and scenery from the privacy of our balcony offers the unique luxury that we equate with cruising. We often order room service and enjoy a private picnic from this space.

Other people may not be that bothered about their stateroom, especially if they are only using it to sleep. Interior cabins can offer deep discounts and Ocean view cabins may offer a similar views without the fresh air. We have been spoiled by our balconies and this is now one feature our ships must always have.

One of my few complaints about the Island Princess is that she has some of the smallest showers ever, but you will always find good water pressure and hot water on demand, so it is (almost) something which can be overlooked.

This is our fourth cruise with this company (and its former company, P &O). My favorite things about cruising with Princess are the consistency across the ships, the all inclusive options and the amazing itineraries. Being a little older, I also appreciate that the ships cater to (mostly) adults.

The Island Princess may be old, by ship standards, but she is well equipped to navigate the world and provide an outstanding and immersive adventure. In the coming days we will continue to explore in depth, some of what this stately Princess has to offer.

“F” is For Fifteen Tips to Plan For Vacations Over 30 Days-Travel Tips & Tricks

Posted on 01/10/202301/06/2023 by Debbie

As we prepare for our 42 day travel adventure, it occurs to me that getting ready for a long vacation is far different than preparing to leave town for a week. Being away from home and/or work for long stretches of time requires substantial planning. For each extra week of adventure, there are more things to consider. For each change in location there are more preparations to make. One thing is certain, most trips over 30 days are going to need a little structure. There are many moving parts to long vacations, especially when they take place in foreign locations. There are reservations for flights, trains and buses. There are accommodation arrangements to be made and cars to be rented. There are visas, passports and sometimes vaccinations to obtain. There are questions to be asked about cultures, weather, rules and activities. There are financial considerations to make. Having a big picture of the way you want things to go, will generally help you achieve the results you hope to gain. The goal to all planning is to eliminate as much potential stress as possible. For me, this always begins with a dream, pencil and paper (or a computer) and an investment of time.

Here are 15 steps to help prepare for your own long adventure:

Plan, plan, plan! This process can be a lot of work, but it is worth putting in the time and effort before your vacation. You will see more and experience more by having a general idea of what options you have available.

Daydream then set some travel goals. The vision might be as simple as creating memories and having fun. If your goals are a little more complex (such as when my son wanted to hike Mt. Fuji), then you may need to consider your health, conditioning and the time of year you will travel. How energetic or quiet does the trip need to be? How rugged or refined do the accommodations need to be? Goals may be different if you are traveling with children and/or elderly etc.
Decide where you want to go. Will you stay in one location or visit many cities? Will you travel between countries and/or continents? Does your destination fulfill your travel goals?
Map it out. It doesn’t make financial sense to hop over a city, or country, then return to it (unless you are doing a circular tour). It doesn’t make sense to travel half way across the world and miss “that one location”, if a quick detour can take you there. Many times it can be as simple as adding to a multiple stop plane or train ticket to add the destination while en route. It can often be surprisingly economical and sometimes cost even less than purchasing a direct fare.
Pick a date. Start at least 6 months in advance. Many popular locations and activities are often booked out months in advance. If you are taking time off of work, can you add national holidays and or weekends to the beginning or end of the trip to give you a few more days?
Set a budget. Long vacations may mean you lose income, plan for it. Long vacations may require airfares, hotel expenses, transportation fees, restaurants etc, plan for it. Long vacations may require a new wardrobe, plan for it. Adjust your plans, not your budget. Build a little cushion into the budget for unexpected emergencies.
Research airfares, train fares etc. Does moving your dates affect the pricing? How often are flights available? If a flight leaves only once a week and is cancelled, it will be another week before you will have an opportunity to leave. Are there other airports in the vicinity? If you miss a connection, could you hire a car or take a train to get to a more serviced area?
Research visa and other requirements such as passports, vaccinations etc. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Many locations require vaccination for things like malaria or yellow fever. Sometimes these vaccinations need to be completed so many days in advance of travel.
Leaving home and/or work responsibilities, there is much to think about before departing on a long vacation. Who will handle your mail, take care of your pets and/or your home? How will you pay your bills or know if you have a power outage? Will your phone and/or email work in another country? Plan, plan and plan some more.

Start a travel notebook or file folder

In the many months leading up to your adventure, you are going to be writing and rewriting your plan. Having one place to gather details makes it simple to quickly locate the information. This organization allows you to brain dump as you are going through the planning process. It is easy to move your plan around on paper. In time, this notebook will also be a great place to store confirmation numbers, insurance contracts, itineraries etc. Your notebook keeps the entire process organized.

Educate yourself.

Once you decide where you are going, gather as much information as possible. When planning for a long vacation I will scour You Tube, Trip Advisor, Pinterest, Google Maps and travel guides to glean as much as possible about the area I want to explore. This is how we might come to realize we don’t really want to rent a car in a difficult to drive city. We might realize there is a cool cafe, then note that it is located within walking distance to a botanic garden or museum we are planning to visit. By reading others comments and suggestions, I have been known to change the smallest of details. I usually know which side of the bus or boat will give me the most panoramic views of a location. I usually know if a sunset or sunrise will be more spectacular at a particularly beautiful location. I usually know how safe an area is. I can’t stress enough how important it is to educate yourself. Some would argue that they just want to “discover” a place but this early research has always allowed us to see more, do more and experience more. If you don’t know what is available, you don’t realize how much you can miss. If you know in advance that an area is prone to pickpockets, you can take many safety precautions in advance.
Try to gain an understanding of the country’s history, geography, customs, politics, and their approach to tourism. This shows a level of respect and will help you engage with the local people more. Having this up front knowledge also means that your trip will start off a bit smoother.
Figure out the best and worst seasons to visit. Are there certain holidays and festivals occurring around your planned travel days? Is this something which attracts you or would you rather avoid crowds?

Make lists– Ask yourself tons of questions.

What cities do you want to visit? What do you want to experience (culture, architecture, museums, landscapes etc)? What sites are there to see?
How will you get there? Is parking available if you are driving? How difficult is traffic? Is there an easier transportation method? Are there discount coupons/passes available to reduce costs? Do you require a special license to drive?
How are cultures different? How are they the same? Do you need head coverings to enter religious sites? Are women expected to dress or act differently than men?
What is the expected weather/temperature for the time of year you are traveling? Do you need special clothing for weather or cultural differences? What activities will you participate in? Will you be hiking, biking, swimming etc which requires special clothing and/or footwear?
Do you need to shop before packing? Will you do laundry while you are on this trip?
What is the maximum weight and size restriction for luggage for every plane you are traveling on? What other restrictions are there in your transportation mode or at your accommodations? Constantly asking questions will allow you to build a plan.

Check for Opening and Closing Times.

Is the attraction you want to see open all day? Is it open 7 days a week and/or at night? What are the busiest times of day?
If you are using public transportation, do the busses and trains run all night?
If you are driving to a National park are the car parks open during the time you want to be hiking or exploring?

Plan for complications-Flights get delayed. Luggage gets lost. Hotel and car rentals get cancelled.

Leave plenty of time between connecting flights.
Leave plenty of time to clear customs and security when transferring flights between countries (usually at least two hours is recommended).
If you are planning a cruise, always plan to arrive the day before it sets sail.
Always pack a spare pair of underwear, a toothbrush, prescription medication, some cash and a small snack in your carry on when flying. If your flight is delayed and/or your luggage lost you will have a few essentials to help.
Look for cancellation options with all reservations. If you are delayed or suddenly fall ill, this may offer the most financial protection. If you decide you want to be more spontaneous in your adventures, having the option of cancelling reservations makes the entire process less complicated.
Purchase travel insurance. Of course we want to assume that nothing will go wrong, but it does happen. Luggage gets lost, purses get stolen, people get sick and injured. Believe me, when anything like that happens you’ll be happy you have travel insurance!

Plan for safety– Part of a travel experience is to take the back roads and/or wander and just get lost, which you should do. Surprises should always be part of the vacation, however understanding if an area is safe or not should never be. Several times in my adventures, I have wandered just a block away from an attraction only to find myself in a drug infested slum and sometimes precarious situations. In my defense, most of these mishaps were before information was so readily available online. Today, even a little research prevents this.

Research if there are high crime areas. What types of crime occur? What, if any, precautions should be taken?
It is also really important to understand (and respect) cultural differences. Never assume that because a rule is one way in the country you are from, it will be the same in another country. Things we consider minor infractions in the USA (littering and jaywalking for example) may bring substantial penalties in foreign countries.
Review your government travel advisories for any country/location you will be visiting. These will often give you information regarding disease outbreaks, political instability and geographical disruptions (such as due to hurricanes etc).
Know where the embassy for your country is located. If war or a major disaster suddenly breaks out, or if you lose your passport, this may be the only way to be repatriated.

Plan your free time. I know, I know…this seems crazy After researching an area for safety, build the opportunity for unplanned discovery into your itinerary. If you have already mapped out the highlights you hope to visit, you will know about how much free time you should have left. By scheduling this free time in chunks around your “must see/do” itinerary, it allows you to still be surprised but ensures you have seen all which you set out to discover.
Plan some down time-Rest and relaxation are especially important on long itinerary packed trips. Unless you are relaxing on a beach all day, you may be continuously moving and exploring. Your brain may be filled by all the new information you are processing. Sometimes you just need a bit of quiet. Build these moments into your day/trip. Perhaps a little rest in your room, a coffee at a local café, sitting by the sea or pool, a picnic in a park and/or quietly watching a sunset can all be good ways to just unwind for a minute.
Plan some nighttime activities-A city or location can have a completely different feel at night. If it is safe to do so, consider exploring during this time.
Make an itinerary

Once you have your plan, you can make an itinerary. The key to visiting a lot of locations is to not waste time. You would be amazed at the amount of time which is wasted just by trying to figure out what to do next.
By planning your days, you will know about how much time to dedicate to each activity. You will know what time you will need to start a day, or when an attraction opens and closes. You will know if there is “extra” time and where/when to detour.

Start packing-Yes, it may be a good idea to start thinking about what you need, as much as 6 months out. Consider the following:

Will you need specialized clothing such as bathing suits or wet weather gear? Will you be able to purchase these items during your season of travel? If I know I am traveling to a warm destination during the middle of my winter, I know I am going to have to purchase clothes quite a bit in advance of my trip!
Try on your clothes. What works, what needs repairing/replacing?
Will you need extra camera batteries, first aid kits etc?
Make a list of the extra items you need, then begin picking these things up early. This allows you to take advantage of sales and return things if they don’t fit.
Weigh your luggage as you get it packed. There is nothing worse than realizing your bags are overweight as you are rushing out the door. The more you do ahead of time, the less stressful it will be when it finally comes time to pack.

Break in new shoes-If you will be purchasing new shoes, be sure to wear them regularly before traveling. Do they cause blisters or pinch? Would it be helpful to add liners, lifts or arch supports? It is easier to make changes before you need them.
Make copies of important documents- If these documents are lost or stolen, they can be difficult to replace. Which may mean an end to your vacation. Having a copy of these important documents stored with a family member or trusted friend, or on an encrypted flash drive (or all of the the above) will make the process much easier.

Passports/visas
Drivers License/photo id
Greencards
Credit cards
Insurance policies
Confirmation numbers

Order local currency-Cash is king, no matter where you are visiting. Get it in small denominations.

If the power goes out, so do the ATM’s and credit card machines.
If your credit card gets frozen because you forgot to notify your bank that you were traveling, you will appreciate being able to get a meal/accommodation until you figure out what to do.
If your taxi, bus driver, or favorite coffee shop refuse to take credit, having these small bills available may be the difference in a good day or a complex day.
Many places won’t take credit cards, farmers markets, food trucks, craft stalls etc. Keep your purchasing power by keeping cash on your person at all times.

“T” is For Trip Insurance-ABC Travel (General tips)

Posted on 01/06/202301/06/2023 by Debbie

I have a love/hate relationship with insurance. I love having it when I need it, I hate paying the extra when I don’t. However, insurance is something you hope you never need to use, but you get it anyway.

It seems there are insurance plans for everything….your car, your home, your teeth, and your health… But oftentimes people forget that their normal insurance policies typically won’t cover stolen items or accidents/health issues which occur overseas. This is where travel insurance comes in.

Actually, there are many reasons for taking out travel insurance. Seasoned travelers are well aware that flights, hotel reservations, car rentals, cruises, land excursions and medical expenses are often not covered in the event of a trip interruption, illness, injury or even death. Let’s not forget about the large numbers of travelers who found themselves stranded when a global pandemic broke out and the world came to a halt.

More commonly someone suddenly falls ill or is injured before leaving on a trip or while abroad. Maybe there is an unexpected job loss or a death in the family and the trip needs to be cancelled. Without insurance, you are likely stuck with the cost of your ticket and you may find yourself on the hook for any hotel and car reservations you have made. These expenses can really add up.

In a different scenario, maybe you made your first flight, but perhaps the plane sat on the tarmac or the flight was rerouted due to weather. Perhaps this caused you to miss your connection or even to miss the departure of your cruise.

If you have “missed connection coverage” on your travel insurance, you will have the option of taking another flight to the next port-of-call, or taking the next available flight to your destination, You might even be able to stay in a nice hotel while waiting. Without trip insurance, you may be stuck.

Imagine that you are on your dream vacation when a storm damages the area. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards and more can all disrupt your plans and/or cause damage to your property. Travel insurance can protect you during these times.

Let’s say you fall or become ill during your trip. Maybe you require emergency dental care or surgery. Without travel insurance, you will be paying out of pocket for these expenses. Many health and dental plans will not cover expenses out of network and even fewer emergencies may be covered when you are out of the country.

In a worst case scenario, you or your partner dies while on vacation, there will be expenses to get the body home. Since preparations must be made to move a body, these are likely more significant than booking a seat on the next flight.

Most people think of travel insurance as a way to cover their expenses should they need to cancel, however travel insurance may offer so much more: It may pay for replacement clothing and supplies if your luggage is delayed; it may reimburse you for lost luggage; It may cover medical expenses if you are injured or fall ill; If your trip is cancelled or interrupted for any reason, your trip insurance may provide some protection and/or cover all or at least part of the associated expenses; If you injure someone while driving a rental vehicle, your travel insurance may offer third party liability; If you are the victim of a hotel/motel burglary, or you have items stolen while on a train (or at the beach, or while on tour or….) your insurance may replace your valuables; If you have a death or dismemberment while traveling, your policy may provide repatriation and/or offer liability coverage; If political unrest suddenly breaks out and repatriation is required, you policy may provide for emergency evacuation.

Like most insurances, a small investment up front can protect you for most disruptions while offering peace of mind while you travel.

In general, the more complicated and/or expensive the itinerary, the more beneficial it is to have insurance.

For most international travel it is worth taking out insurance.

The more challenging your health history, the more beneficial it is to have additional insurance.

Trip insurance is usually less expensive the further out it is purchased. Sometimes there are incentives to purchasing within days of finalizing your plans (such as covering pre-existing health conditions).

Always read the fine print to understand what your insurance will and won’t cover and the terms for each portion of your policy. Not all policies cover everything,

Always check with your existing policies (homeowners, auto, medical and life) to see what coverage you may already have.

Some credit cards offer additional protections based on your status.

If you will be doing high risk adventures such as scuba diving or jumping from planes, you may consider adding accident insurance to your travel insurance.

It can be overwhelming to choose a travel insurance. There are many insurance companies to choose from and depending on your itinerary, activities, health and expenses, you may need different coverage. We like using the website www.insuremytrip.com to help narrow down which policy will best suit for our needs.

“A” is for Arranging Your Best Cruise Vacation-ABC Cruising

Posted on 09/02/202211/19/2022 by Debbie

NCL-2008

When we choose a cruise, we always ask ourselves what we want to experience.

Is our goal to set foot upon each continent?
Is it to immerse in a single country, or do we want to experience many different ones?
Is it the ship itself that we want to experience, or the itinerary?
Do we want restful days at sea, or an action filled schedule?
Are we willing to take a repositioning cruise to complete any of our goals?
How long do we want to be away?
What time of year do we want to travel?
Is this the best season for the areas we hope to see?
Where does the ship depart from and return to?
Will we need additional travel days to get there? Do we need to schedule transfers from a plane to the ship?

What does the ship have to offer?

What is the brand of the cruiseline? Is it known to be a party ship, or luxury liner? How old/young is the average passenger?
How old or young is the ship? Has it been refurbished?
What are the reviews for the ship?
How many passengers does the ship hold?
Are kids likely to be on the ship?
Are there adult only areas?
How many pools are there?
What activities are available on board? Are there water slides, golfing, go carts or wave pools on board? Which of these (if any) are important to me?
If the weather is bad, what indoor activities are available? Are there classes and cultural immersion opportunities? Are there shops available? Is there a movie theater?
What kinds of entertainment will be available? Are there Broadway style performances, pianists, comedians, magicians?
Are there areas for quiet activities, such as a library?
Is internet available?
Is the dining schedule rigid or relaxed? What options for meals do I have?
What kinds of rooms are available?

Money matters.

What is included in the cost? What is not? Often alcohol, specialty coffee, specialty dining, internet and shore excursions will cost extra.
Are gratuities included? Most cruise lines add $12-$15 per day and there is often an 18% gratuity for drinks.
Are there packages available?
What discounts/promotions are available?

Have a great vacation!

ABC Explorers

Creating stories and living life, one letter at a time

Pre-cruise Planning

“D” is for the Do’s and Don’t of Visiting Dubai-Our Middle East Adventure

“I” is For Island Princess-A Cruise Ship Review

“F” is For Fifteen Tips to Plan For Vacations Over 30 Days-Travel Tips & Tricks

“T” is For Trip Insurance-ABC Travel (General tips)

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