Do's and Don'ts for cruising

You won't want  to miss this  great cruise with Holland America, 21 Jan. 2012 - 28 Jan. 2012

This is your chance to relax and go to a warm place for a Winter Break to warm your bones and to be pampered. Cruise the Eastern Caribbean, with its beautiful blue waters and white sandy beaches. Our Cruise starts on 21 January 2011 for 7 days aboard the beautiful Eurodam on Holland America. This is a 7 day cruise starting and ending in Ft. Lauderdale with stops in Turks and Caicos, San Juan Puerto Rico, St Thomas and Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay. This cruise is an exceptional value with cabins starting at:
Inside $961.80 per person double occ.
outside obst. view $1061.80 per person double occ.
outside full view $1141.80 per person double occ.
balcony $1261.80 per person double occ.
Contact me for further information and booking
Barbara Gonzalez
503 636-9876
barbaragnz@gmail.com

The Do's and Don'ts of Cruising:

Do book your cruise early.
This will usually get you the best choice of staterooms. Most cruises can be booked as far as 18 months in advance. Remember, that you only need to make a small deposit and this completely refundable up to final payment, usually about three months before the sail date. If the price is reduced, you will get the lower price, but you will never pay more.

Do book your cruise with a cruise specialist.
Even if you exactly what you want, you need to have someone to contact when you have questions or problems.

Do review your booking confirmation carefully as soon as you receive it from your agent.
Make sure all information is correct including names, ages, stateroom number and fares. There is a charge for making changes after final payment.

Do notify your travel agent of any special requirements.
This should be done as soon as possible. Most cruise lines require written notification at time of booking of any physical or mental disability which requires special accommodations, use of wheelchair or medical treatment. Some cruise line have dialysis available on the ship.

Do Purchase Travel Insurance.
Almost every travel agency requires travelers to sign a waiver if they do not purchase travel insurance. This is not a sales tool but rather a liability issue. Travel Agents know that problems can arise and they are required to advise the clients at the time of booking. Cruise lines have a very strict cancellation policies after final payment, usually 50% within two months of sailing and 100% with two weeks. You need to purchase travel insurance within 14 days of initial deposit to get coverage for previously existing medical conditions. Also many medical plans do not cover medical evacuation which could cost $25,000 or more.



Don't pack medicines or valuable in your luggage.
This applies both to airline check-in and cruise ship check-in. Take a small carry-on bag on the ship with these items and anything else you may need for the first afternoon on the ship. Your luggage may not arrive in your stateroom until 6:00pm or later.



Return flights on debarkation day.
Most cruise lines advise you not to book flights before 12 noon. Cruise ships usually arrive around 7:00am and start unloading passengers by 8:30am.



Do reserve shore excursions in advance.
The most popular excursions fill up quickly.

Do make reservations for specialty restaurants as soon as you board the ship.
This is the best way to get the date and time you want.

Do check your final stateroom account on the next to the last day of the cruise.
You will receive a final copy in your cabin on the morning of debarkation.

Don't miss the ship.
This applies to embarkation and all port visits. You will probably be able to catch up with the ship, but it will be at your expense.

Four Seasons Travel
503 636-9876
barbaragnz@gmail.com
barbara-fourseasonstravel.blogspot.com