Travel Insurance You Should have It, but did you Get the Right Policy?

Courtesy of cbsnews.com

Cruise Travel Insurance – You Never Know What’s Out There

So, you are getting ready for your vacation.  You’re bags are packed, your flights on time and the kids are waiting in the car cheering with excitement.  You think to yourself, “This is going to be the best trip ever!”  But you didn’t realize your luggage was about to get lost that your connecting flight was going to be canceled due to the “Snow Storm of the Century,” or even worse you may end up having to return home after spending a day on your vacation when a member of your party becomes ill.  Good thing you have travel insurance Right?

Trip Insurance is just like auto or home insurance. You hope you never have to use it but when you do, it’s important to have a good policy. No one starts off on vacation planning for something to go wrong, but each year thousands of travelers experience a problem along the way. Good travel insurance can help you visit the far flung corners of the world worry free.

If you become sick or injured on board a ship or in a foreign port of call, the cruise line has limited liability and responsibility to get you to the nearest emergency medical facility. They are not responsible for the costs incurred for medical treatment. While many foreign countries have excellent medical facilities, some are not up to normal U.S. standards. Patients and their families often desire to be transported back to the U.S. and if this involves an air ambulance the costs can run from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the circumstances. Air evacuation is generally covered under Trip Insurance policies.

Another popular feature of Trip Insurance is coverage for cancellation in the event of illness or injury prior to the departure. Most policies cover not only the travelers but also your immediate relatives. And your policy may even provide something called "pre-existing condition" coverage. This means that you may be eligible for coverage for medical conditions which exist before you depart on your trip. In this regard, timing of the purchase of the policy is critical to establish coverage applicability.

There are many additional benefits Trip Insurance offers including lost or delayed baggage, renter’s collision insurance, missed airline connection and more.  Your Cruise Specialist can assist you in determining which Trip Insurance plan best suits your needs. Remember to carefully review all the details of your policy to insure that you have the limits and coverage needed to insure a stress free cruise. Proper insurance is the right way to start off your cruise, because you never know what’s out there.

Disney Cruise Lines Announces - First Ever Cruises to Alaska

Royal Caribbean Spa at Sea

 

Vacation time is the perfect time to indulge in new experiences.  Visiting a Spa at Sea while on vacation can become a most enjoyable part of your trip.  On Royal Caribbean your personal needs and preferences is a priority.  From their popular Signature Treatments such as the Acupuncture for pain management,  Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy and the Couples massage there is something for every taste.  Not sure which spa service is right for you no need to worry there is always a Spa tour on the first day of your trip with detail information on the different services.  

Signature and facial treatments, massage therapies, detox wraps, men's services,  tooth whitening, fitness services that include Yoga, Pilates and even a personal trainer, nail and hair services,and YSpa services for teens on Royal Caribbean you can enjoy a full day at the spa there is something for everyone!

The Worlds Two Largest Cruise Ships Allure and Oasis of the Seas meet for the First time...

The Wolf Family ask "How Big is The Allure of the Seas?"

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday at Sea

By: Noemi Peruyera

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Lights are being strung, presents are being wrapped and cruise ships everywhere are beginning to drape themselves in holiday decor. Although you won’t have a white Christmas on a cruise you will find plenty of good cheer. It’s hard not to get in the holiday spirit when twinkling lights, decorated trees, poinsettias and mistletoe surround you. Carolers stroll the decks singing your favorite holiday songs while kids are busy making ornaments and decorating sugar cookies. There's even a ceremonial tree lighting and plenty of champagne toasts.

All cruise ships get into the holiday spirit but the bigger the ship, the bigger the festivities. So what kind of celebration is right for your you? Here’s a little advice on what you need to know about cruising over Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years:

Top 10 Reasons to take a Cruise

1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.
3. Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.
4. Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

RCCL Oasis of the Seas call me for the latest specials...

Did You Know?

World famous Trunk Bay got its name from the Leatherback turtle which once nested there in abundance. The Danes claimed the turtle resembled a large leather trunk.  Next time you are on an Eastern or Southern Caribbean Cruise and it includes a stop in St. Thomas take a quick trip over to Trunk Bay one of the most visited park sites part of the Virgin Islands National Park system.  You can get there either by shore excursion through your cruise ship excursion desk or even booked before you leave on your trip on the cruise line's website, via the Red Hook Ferry in St Thomas, or by taking a private excursion.

Shopping in St Thomas, USVI...

When on your cruise  remember to save some time to visit the wonderful cobblestone streets in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas where you can do plenty of duty-free shopping either in the downtown area or chances are your ship will be docked right across from the Havensight location with plenty of shops and boutiques.  The best buys on St Thomas include jewelry,alcohol, china, crystal, perfume and the best Rum Cake in the Caribbean.  

Shopping Tips...

• First things first on the island it is considered taboo to walk around in your swimsuit or bareback so make sure to cover-up when not on the beach.
• When shopping for jewelry, you may be able to make a deal especially in the family owned stores so it is not uncommon to haggle or bargain for that lower price so go ahead make an offer lower than the ticket price you may just be in for a pleasant surprise.
• Locals are very greeting conscious so before starting a conversation remember to say "Good ____ (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) this small gesture will take you a long way.

One last thing... make sure you make it back to your ship at least an hour before it sails we do not want to miss out on the rest of your wonderful Cruise vacation.

Cruise Diva: Jamaica Me Crazy

Cruise Diva: Jamaica Me Crazy: "'Island time' is a pretty well-known concept in the Caribbean where a slower pace prevails than in most of North America. Nowhere is it more..."