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Travel News - 06/10/03: It's official . . . Costa Cruises took delivery of its new ship "Costa Mediterranea," the 2,689-passenger sister ship to the "Atlantica." Christened in Naples on June 7, the ship will run "Grand Mayan" Mexico itineraries this fall . . . while Royal Caribbean will put the "Voyager of the Seas" in New York in the summer of 2004, with alternating five-day cruises to Canada and nine-day sailings to the Caribbean. The cruise line also streamlined its stateroom categories for all cruises starting in April 2004 . . . and the Department of Homeland Security lowered the national threat level to yellow, citing a decrease in warnings and an incident-free Memorial Day holiday . . .
Moving on . . . Air Canada and its pilots union reached a pay agreement, averting a total shutdown of the airline . . . and the U.S. government gave final approval to a limited marketing alliance between American Airlines and British Airways . . . as the U.S. Supreme Court refused to stop a lawsuit by consumers against Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, and US Airways over the airlines' ban on "hidden-city ticketing," the practice by which travelers buy low-cost tickets from city A through city B to City C when city B is the true destination . . . and a seventh crew member died from severe burns from the engine room blast aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines' "Norway." The company says it plans to repair the ship and return it to service . . . as authorities in Phoenix arrested a man who called in a bomb threat to America West Airlines because he hoped to delay a flight for which he was running late . . . and Delta cut fares to several cities in Mexico, while America West started the only nonstop daily service between Phoenix and Cancun. Delta's new low-cost subsidiary Song will introduce new daily roundtrips in September between Los Angeles and both Tampa and Orlando, while AirTran will start in October new daily roundtrips from Orlando to Dallas and to Minneapolis/St. Paul . . .
In other travel news . . . the World Health Organization removed Singapore from its list of SARS-affected destinations . . . as United Airlines offered some of its elite program fliers up to 3,000 bonus miles if they would fax their mileage statements from competing airlines to United HQ for further study. The carrier also introduced a new "fly three, get one free" promotion on tickets purchased by Sept. 30 . . . and US Airways will charge a $10 fee for certain tickets purchased through city ticket offices, while Northwest doubled its paper ticket surcharge to $50 . . .
Finally . . . passengers aboard a British Airways flight from Nice to Heathrow heard an unusual announcement about a delay in taking off: The co-pilot's seat was stuck. Apparently, the co-pilot could not adjust his seat to reach the brake and rudder pedals. Technicians removed the seat, repaired it, and returned it to the cockpit, resulting in a 45-minute delay . . . and public toilets in Singapore will now be graded on a five-star government system called "Happy Toilet," based on cleanliness, layout, and "ergonomics" . . . and a scientist flying home from Antarctica to Miami kept setting off airport bomb detectors. The culprit: penguin poop on his backpack, which contained the same types of nitrates found in many bombs . .. .
Travel Questions & Answers
How Can I Get A Cruise Upgrade?
Q. My cousins just returned from vacation bragging about how they bargained with their cruise line for a free upgrade. They went from a tiny inside cabin with no porthole or window to an outside cabin with a balcony -- and my cousins swear they never paid a dime in extra charges for the higher category! How can I do that?
A. Here's the Golden Rule of cruise upgrades:
When you decide to take a cruise, call me immediately so that I can keep my eyes open for the best upgrade offers!
Remember that the cruise lines are in business to make money. They give upgrades because it helps them make more money, not because they like your cousins.
Because I work with several specific cruise lines as a preferred agent, I have the experience and the cruise line contacts to learn about the greatest chances to confirm an upgrade for you. Many times, our best shot is a booking incentive -- in other words, the cruise line will guarantee a one- or two-category upgrade if you agree to book today.
Typically, cruise lines make these offers for sailings that are selling slower than expected. We can also investigate "guaranteed rate" or "to be assigned" upgrades, in which you purchase a less expensive cabin but the cruise line does not assign the actual cabin until closer to the departure date. If the cruise line sells out of your lower category, and then needs some of those cabins so that it can promote their lower price in order to attract other cruisers to that sailing, you will likely be given a cabin in a higher category.
The big mistake many new cruisers make is waiting until the very last minute in hopes of buying a top-category cabin for pennies on the dollar because they believe the cruise line will be desperate to fill that space. It almost never works that way. Instead, the cruise line will simply keep bumping guests in mid-level categories up the ladder, leaving you with the less expensive (and less desirable) categories at a less attractive discount.
Cruise lines love repeat guests, so if you have sailed on a particular cruise line several times, we will have a better chance to negotiate an upgrade for you -- both at the time of booking and at the time you are about to depart for the sailing.
What Happens If My Luggage Gets Lost?
Q. What are the chances that my luggage might disappear before it gets to my destination with me? And, if that happens, what should I do?
A. Despite the "war stories" told by many road warriors about problems with airline baggage handling, the truth is that the vast majority of checked bags do arrive on time in good condition. However, when your luggage has been lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen, you may face serious inconvenience or worse.
New federal regulations have doubled the airline's obligation to pay you (from $1,250 to $2,500 per passenger) if your checked bags on domestic flights do not arrive. One excellent rule of thumb is "Never pack any item in your checked luggage that you cannot afford to lose." Even though the airline must technically reimburse you for the monetary value of your loss, you may not be able to replace some belongings such as heirloom jewelry or personal items such as prescription drugs that you must have on your trip. Some passengers have succeeded in recovering more than $2,500 by proving in court that the airline acted intentionally to harm you, but the time and expense involved in pursuing this type of complaint may not outweigh the eventual damages.
If your luggage is delayed, the airlines are generally responsible for paying your reasonable expenses that result, such as personal toiletry items. (Many carriers now give "overnight kits" with basic items such as deodorant and shampoo to passengers waiting for delayed luggage.) If you must buy other items, such as a tie for a business meeting that is scheduled before your luggage arrives, keep your receipts and submit a bill to the airline's baggage services agent at the airport for repayment.
If your bags do not arrive at your destination airport, you should file an immediate claim with the airline's baggage services agent (usually located near the baggage claim area). The agent will enter your claim into the airline's computerized tracking system and issue you a receipt with a toll-free number that you can call once you leave the airport to check on your bags. On the claim form, you should list your belongings as specifically as possible.
One excellent strategy to insure that you recover the maximum value of your belongings is to make a packing list before you leave on your trip (or take a quick snapshot of your belongings spread out around your suitcases before you pack them), so that you can later prove that you are telling the truth about your losses.
What's The Truth About Tipping While Traveling?
Q. Can you tell me the standard amounts that are expected for tipping when I'm on my trip? I know of course about 15 percent for good service in restaurants, but I'm never quite sure what to leave when I'm on a cruise or when I'm staying in a hotel these days!
A. You're asking the question that many travelers would love to pose, but they don't want to be seen as cheap by asking!
As long as hotels, cruise lines, restaurants, and other travel suppliers calculate pay levels for their employees that assume a given level of tips being received, then we do recommend that travelers tip when they receive good service. Servers and stewards and porters and other hard workers earning less than minimum wage depend on that income!
While the following levels are considered standard, keep in mind that your best option when you receive terrible service is not skipping the tip. Instead, ask for a manager and tell him or her exactly what happened. If you simply skip tipping, you won't fix the service problem for other travelers, and the offending worker will just assume you're a tightwad!
Cruises: $7 to $10 a day, in general, left in an envelope in your stateroom for the cabin steward to pick up as you leave the cruise
Airport shuttle drivers, skycaps, and bellcaps: $1 a bag minimum
Taxi drivers: 15 percent of the fare
Escorts and drivers on tours: $7 to $10 per day, at the end of the day (day trips) or the tour (multi-day trips)
Doormen: $1 if they provide special assistance such as hailing a cab
Hotel housekeepers: Optional, but $1-$2 per day left at the end of your stay is nice
Valet parking attendants: $1-$2 when you claim your car
Coatroom attendants: $1-$2 when you pick up your coat
Room service waiters: 15% of the bill (although check for gratuities and service charges added automatically to the bill)
What about tipping in other countries? Gratuities are added automatically as service charges to your bills in many other nations. Try to tip in local currency wherever possible (although workers in some countries prefer U.S. Dollars) In China and the South Pacific, tips may actually be considered insulting!
What Are The Tricks To Finding Great Airfares?
Q. After 9/11 and the war in Iraq, everything I've read says the airlines are in serious financial trouble. Does this mean that we'll see many more fare sales in 2003 -- and, if that's the case, what's your best advice for finding bargain-basement airfares?
A. It's true that the major U.S. airlines have been hit in the past two years with the double whammy of slumping revenues (as many travelers canceled or delayed trips, and the ones who did fly held out for fare sales) and exploding expenses (such as labor and fuel Costs).
What that means across the board, however, is that the airlines have even greater incentives to try every necessary means of keeping fares stable -- and, increasing them wherever possible. Witness this week's $10 fare increase by the largest U.S. airlines. It's no coincidence that, as the federal government rolled back its new $10 (roundtrip) security surcharge on airline tickets until the fall, these airlines kept the $10 charge in place so that they could keep that money for themselves until the government begins charging the tax again!
When you read or hear about airline fare sales, here's another timely tip: These days, act fast! Each airline sets aside a limited number of seats for these sales, even more so after the 9/11 and Iraqi war troubles. If you know for sure when you need to fly, we can confirm your seat immediately to lock in the discounted fare. It's not set in stone nowadays, but you can expect the lowest leisure fares from October through March (May through September for the Caribbean, and June through August for Australia).
We can also try other tricks for securing bargain deals for airline tickets: straight-fare reductions, companion tickets, nonpeak travel times, connecting flights versus nonstop flights, hometown sales, low-fare airlines, alternate airports . . .
Travel Tips
Saving Money on Overseas Phone Calls
For many travelers, an international vacation outside the confines of the USA is a welcome break from the routines of daily life. No frantic calls from the boss, no junk email or spam messages, no day-to-day worries -- just a relaxing getaway to re-charge your batteries.
Sometimes, though, you might have critical reasons for staying in touch with your home base: a sick child, renovations or the pending sale of your house, a life-or-death work project. In those cases, how can you communicate from abroad without paying an arm and a leg for the calls?
If you need to receive lots of inbound calls from the USA, you should purchase an "unlocked GSM" world cell phone and then buy local prepaid "phone chips" when you arrive at your destination.
For anywhere from 10 to 30 Euros, you can install a chip with free inbound calls and several Euros' worth of outbound calls. Finding a local cell phone shop in your destination, buying the right chip, and communicating your new number to the folks at home can be a big hassle, though. On the other hand, the simplest and cheapest route to making outbound calls to the USA remains the tried-and-true payphone with a calling card (your home phone company's card or a locally bought prepaid phone card).
Several major international cell phone companies will be running specials this summer if you want to try a world cell phone. TravelCell (www.travelcell.com) will give U.S. residents the free use of a phone -- waiving the usual $24.95 weekly rental rate for up to three months any time during the next year, as long as you order by June 30. Inbound calls are generally free, while outbound calls to the USA can run 69 cents to $3.49 per minute, and you'll have to pay shipping charges for the phone.
Other cell phone rental agencies include RoadPost (www.roadpost.com) and InTouch Global (www. intouchglobal.com), and they also offer special deals with free inbound calls from the USA.
What about using the phones aboard a cruise ship? Ship-to-shore calls can be enormously expensive, so consider renting a satellite phone from TravelCell. It's not cheap -- $149.99 for the first week, and $49.99 for each additional week -- but you will get free incoming calls from anywhere on the planet Earth!
Almost every rental firm requires the use of credit cards, so you have some protection in case the service does not work as promised.
Sailing With Kids: Cruise Programs For Children
In the early days of cruising, children were seldom seen or heard. And when families on board anocean liner, they were treated as adults and expected to act as such.
Today, sailing with your children is a totally different environment. Carnival Cruise Lines alonewill host more than 100,000 kids on board its ships in 2003! Many cruise lines operating in the USAoffer special kids programs, even services for infants and teenagers.
Before we book your kids on any cruise, we should contact the cruise line to insure that its kidsprograms will operate on your chosen sailing (some lines only offer seasonal programs). We canalso check on special rates and bargains for children, as well as adjoining cabins, bunk beds withguardrails, and other amenities. I'd recommend a shorter cruise if your children have never sailed.
Also, we should talk about the documentation you'll need to carry for your children, especially if youare the only "birth" or "custodial" parent who will be accompanying them on the cruise. Finally, Ialways recommend travel insurance when kids are cruising, so that you won't lose your cruisedeposit and payments if a child gets the measles the day before you depart!
Among the major cruise lines, these companies offer the most comprehensive kids programs (withages ranging from toddlers to teens on many ships):
I can share lots of other tips about cruising with kids -- from scheduling onboard "baby sitters" aheadof time to saving money with a "soda card" -- so give me a call!
Picking (And Packing) Your Luggage For The Road
Rocket science or brain surgery, it's not.
However, take it from me -- as a professional travel agent who has worked with thousands of travelers over the years -- that you can save yourself hassles and worries (and maybe even a few dollars along the way!) by following these basic tips for buying luggage and packing for a trip:
Buy the best luggage you can afford. Notice that I didn't say "the prettiest," but "the best." You'll definitely get what you pay for when it comes to suitcases, garment bags, Pullmans, carry-on bags, laptop cases, and other luggage. Economy-priced bags will generally not withstand the rigors of traveling in today's security-conscious environment.
While many travelers swear by the durability of hard-shelled luggage, remember that these types of suitcases add 10 to 20 pounds to your airline weight limits before you pack the first piece of clothing inside them. A better option is soft-sided bags made with "ballistic-quality" material, followed by bags made of nylon or polyester, that offer the same durability without the added weight.
Think "plastic," "riveted," and "self-repairing." Plastic wheels can be more durable than metal wheels (and easier for the luggage shop to replace). Rivets last longer than screws or "D rings." And, self-repairing zippers mean you won't spend $30 replacing a zipper when it snags on a trip!
Set everything on your bed when you're packing -- then, put half of the items back. It's almost a given that many of us overpack and carry with us too much clothing and accessories. Laying items on your bed means you can see at one glance all of the outfits you plan to take on the trip -- making it easy to remember socks and belts and other items you might otherwise forget.
Make a list of your packed items so that you can file claims if your bag is lost. Many savvy travelers these days take a photo of the bed with their clothing spread across it, as you begin the packing process. It's tough for airline agents to argue your claim if you have a photo showing your lost Belongings!
Always pack your essentials in your carry-on bags. Never store expensive jewelry, camera equipment, PDAs, cell phones, medications, contact lenses or eyeglasses, cash or traveler's checks, or any "irreplaceable" items in your checked bags. Sounds like basic advice, doesn't it? You'd be amazed how many travelers packing in a hurry ignore this rule -- and regret it later.
Which Deck Is Best? Picking The Perfect Cabin
Remember the scenes in the movie "Titanic," as Leonardo DiCaprio and his fellow steerage-class passengers struggled with iron gates and padlocks on the lower decks as the ship began sinking?
Thankfully, the days of "steerage" service are long gone. However, many travelers wrestle with a very common problem that does remain: What are the keys to picking the best cabin aboard the cruise ship? Even the most experienced cruisers face this challenge if they're sailing aboard an unfamiliar or brand-new vessel.
Here are the key elements to gauging your needs and picking the perfect cruise cabin:
Size: Unlike the "Titanic" days, you won't be forced to sleep in a bunk with seven of your closest friends in order to get a great cruise deal! Today's vessels offer compact yet comfortable rooms in even the most inexpensive categories of cabins: less than 150 square feet for the lowest categories and up to 180 square feet for standard cabins.
To compete more effectively with land-based resort vacation options, many cruise lines now offer a growing number of cabins (even standard categories) with verandas or balconies. You'd be very surprised how affordable many veranda cabins can be these days!
Views: When you see the term "outside cabin" in the cruise brochures, that means the cabin offers a window. The key here is avoiding "view-obstructed" cabins -- rooms with windows partially covered or blocked by lifeboats or other ship equipment. (On the other hand, if you don't care about your cabin view, these types of cabins can save you a little extra money.)
Noise and ship vibrations: We can avoid picking your cabin in the far aft section on lower decks, where many ships have their engine rooms located. Also, we should watch for cabins near service elevators, housekeeping areas, discos, and gyms.
"Seasickness" motion: If you're worried about feeling the rolling seas, remember that almost all modern cruise ships have stabilizers installed to insure a smooth sailing. However, you can be safe in choosing cabins as close to the center of the vessel as possible, on a middle deck.
Hallway traffic: Being near the ship elevators is handy, but remember that you'll have extra traffic outside your cabin when passengers are scurrying to dinner or the shows!
Getaways
Cruising America's Rivers: Long Live The Queens!
In the crazy world of cruises -- where any vessel past its 10th birthday is considered hopelessly out of fashion, and cruise lines brag about ice skating rinks and rock-climbing walls and golf driving ranges on their newest ships -- three majestic Queens survived the bankruptcy of their cruise company last year to begin a new year of plying America's rolling rivers.
In other words, as steamboater Mark Twain would have said, the reports of their demise were greatly exaggerated! In 2003, these ships -- the "Delta Queen" (a National Historic Landmark that is the oldest steam-powered paddle wheeler in America for cruisers and the first and only steamboat to travel through the Panama Canal) and her sisters the "American Queen" and the "Mississippi Queen" -- will offer year-round cruises from 11 different U.S. ports on major eastern waterways. Cruises on the Queens begin and end in Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile, Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Every inch of the "Delta Queen" and her sister vessels reflects America's historic love affair with river steamboats. Many cabins boast brass beds and antique furnishings, and the "Delta Queen" does not even have a swimming pool or casino. It's a true throwback to the days of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
The three boats winter in the South with cruises on the lower Mississippi River. Then, they venture further north as the weather improves. Most steamboat cruises run six or seven nights, though we can find itineraries as short as three nights or as long as 11 nights.
What happens on these cruises? First and foremost, these vessels offer relaxation. Unlike the hustle and bustle found on bigger cruise ships, the Queens provide the perfect atmosphere for enjoying the sun in a deck chair, catching up on your reading, or taking in the waterway scenery that you can't find on any other cruise in the USA. The ships also pull into the smallest towns along the rivers, allowing you to visit historic villages that you might never discover elsewhere (a big plus for American history buffs). Because the ships' crews have worked on the vessels for many years on average, you will feel as though you are being treated like part of the Queens family.
If you're looking for a slower pace for your vacation this year, consider a steamboat cruise. Prices for the Queens start at $1,225 for seven-night itineraries (per person, double occupancy).
America The Beautiful: 12 Historic U.S. Travel Spots
In a world filled with theme parks and resorts that sometimes run together in your mind, the National Trust for Historic Preservation recommends a new direction for your vacation this year:
A visit to America's past.
In April, the Trust -- America's largest nonprofit, private preservation organization -- recognized its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, a list of 12 U.S. towns that draw tourists to their unique spirits of Americana while providing the travel services that today's consumers expect on their leisure trips.
Think about these options for rediscovering "America the Beautiful" this year:
We can plan a trip for you to the bustling arts and architecture scene in Burlington, Vt., on the shores of Lake Champlain, or a long weekend break in Coronado, Calif., for a stay at the world-famous Hotel Del Coronado. (If the Duke and Duchess of Windsor enjoyed the "Del" in their day, you're certain to have a good time.)
Edenton, N.C., boasts several important African-American historical sites, while Galveston, Texas, will keep the kids busy with adventurous visits to an offshore oil rig and an 1800s sailing ship. If you prefer a break to ski, fish, hike, bike, or raft, you should consider the historic silver mining town of Georgetown, Colo.Locals describe the Revolutionary War spirit in Keene, N.H. (chartered in 1753) as a Currier & Ives print come to life. To experience the travel luxuries available only to wealthy landowners and industrial barons in the past, you can pay a visit to Jekyll Island off Georgia's coast or Mackinac Island in northern Michigan. (Don't miss the chance to enjoy a sunset sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of Mackinac's Grand Hotel.)
We can schedule a trip into the rich antebellum heritage of Natchez, Miss., or the perfectly preserved utopian world of the German immigrants who founded New Harmony, Ind. You can pick the beaches and arts district that draw visitors to Portland, Maine, or the historic sites and nearby attractions (Columbia Gorge and Mount St. Helens) that make Vancouver, Wash., a popular travel Spot.
Whichever historic travel spot you pick, don't miss the chance to experience America's history up close and personal on a relaxing, inspiring getaway. Give me a call this week so that we can get started!
The Main Attractions In 2003: U.S. Theme Parks
Young or old, single or married, parents raising kids or devoted aunts and uncles who spoil the nieces and nephews, there's a single common denominator in many travelers' summer vacations:
The nostalgic sights and sounds -- and the latest thrill-ride technology -- at America's theme parks and amusement parks!
Many parks in the U.S.A. have rolled out major new attractions and rides in the past year. Here's an around-the-country sampling of what you'll find to test your nerves and amaze your senses in 2003 :
The "Shrek 4-D" multi-sensory film at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood: In this combination of 3-D animation and "sensory elements" such as moving seats and made-to-order odors, you'll have a blast watching Lord Farquaad seek revenge when Shrek and Princess Fiona set out on their honeymoon.
"Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle" at Paramount's King's Island: At this park near Cincinnati, you'll help Scooby hunt down spooky creatures with your very own Fright Light ghost blaster.
"Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast" at Universal Studios Florida: If your family wants to help Jimmy save the world (along with SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends), then you can't miss this new computer-animated attraction.
"Nickelodeon Central" at Paramount's Great America: In the expanded kids' area at this park near San Francisco, you'll find 10 new attractions in all centered around this new "Nick Slime Time" show with 3-D simulator effects featuring SpongeBob.
What about good, old-fashioned, scare-the-pants-off roller coasters? In 2003, the biggest debut is the "Top Thrill Dragster" at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio -- the coaster with the steel hydraulic launch that hits 120 mph on a 420-foot vertical drop. Other parks with new coasters include The Great Escape in Lake George, N.Y., Enchanted Village near Seattle, Paramount's Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., and Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Ga.
Here's how I can help you with a theme park vacation this summer: Saving money! Disney's tickets in Florida just hit $52 for adults. Many operators are running weekend specials and offering family packages at great prices. I'll find the best deal for you and help you avoid any surprises.
Now's The Time For Great Deals To Hong Kong!
When investors play the stock market, one great strategy for making money is "contrarian investing," or putting your dollars into companies and industries that less experienced investors are fleeing.
That's the same strategy used by savvy travelers these days to snap up amazing bargains for vacations in Hong Kong!
The threat of the SARS virus discouraged tourists to Hong Kong this spring, but now that global and U.S. health authorities have lifted their travel advisories against this destination, we've found many
tour operators anxious to offer big discounts to attract travelers back to Hong Kong. Besides the world-class shopping opportunities and culinary delights, Hong Kong draws many repeat visitors for the local sights:
A classic Hong Kong tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak (the steepest funicular ride on Earth!), where you can take in the views of the entire harbor area and the city's skyline. The lively open-air markets in Kowloon, or the tony booths and shops in Stanley Market. The 202-ton Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery. And, the view of Hong Kong from the water aboard a Star Ferry.
Here's a short list of great Hong Kong trip deals gathered by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (prices are per person, double occupancy, with air from the West Coast):
** The "Hong Kong Super Sale" packages from Aberdeen Tours, including roundtrip air on Cathay Pacific, three nights' lodging, a Hong Kong city tour, and other amenities from $549
** The "Hong Kong Beyond Imagination" tour from Gala Tours, with roundtrip air on China Air, five nights' lodging, and several city tours and shopping trips from $699
** The "Asia on Sale" packages from Pleasant Holidays, with roundtrip air, five nights' stay at the Majestic Hotel, island tours and more from $849
Nothing beats Hong Kong for the holidays! If you plan ahead now, we can lock in excellent discounts for your 2003 vacation in this vibrant Chinese city colony.