It is always great to go on a cruise holiday and look forward to having an amazing time with your friends and family, but most of the problems come up in the cruise vacation planning. 

More often than not, a lack of planning and coordination gets in the way of being able to enjoy one's vacation.

If you avoid some common mistakes during the planning phase, you can be assured of a hiccup-free, unforgettable vacation you would like to live over and over again.
 

Cruise Vacation Planning: 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Cruise Insurance - Primary Or Secondary Policy?

Choosing cruise insurance - or for that matter any travel insurance - can be time consuming, as well as confusing. Be aware that policy plans vary greatly - so each individual has to determine which plan best covers your needs.

Cruise lines offer their own travel insurance, however it is NOT the best option, and prices are far more than finding insurance on your own. You should also be aware that these type of policies are "secondary" policies. Cruise lines are notorious for offering compensation in "on-board credits" - not hard cash in many situations!

Read the full article and become familiar with the difference between a primary or secondary cruise insurance policy for your next cruise vacation

Cruise Insurance - Primary Or Secondary

 

Miami Pre, Post Cruise Deal

Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay hotel in downtown Miami, located near the Port of Miami, invites guests to extend their Miami cruise with the pre/post cruise package. 

With rates ranging from just $209 - $249, the Pre/Post Cruise Package offers a deluxe guest room, two welcome cocktails, breakfast for two and transportation to the Port of Miami.

Extend the experience of blue water, sunny skies and gorgeous sights at this Port of Miami area hotel with Marriott's Port of Miami Vacation Package for stays from now through December 31, 2010.


The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay hotel is located just minutes from the Port of Miami and provides easy access to Miami International Airport and the surrounding area in the heart of downtown Miami.

The hotel offers 580 guest rooms and 21 suites and convenient access to South Beach, Bayside Marketplace, the Art Deco District and entertainment at the nearby Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts featuring opera, jazz, and symphony performances.

This special package is ideal for relaxing and unwinding at a convenient Port of Miami hotel and can be booked by calling 1-800-228-9290 or visiting www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miabb-miami-marriott-biscayne-bay and using code TRS.

Passport Fees Have Increased

Tuesday fees for passport books and passport cards were increased by the U.S. State Department.

The fee for a new passport book has been increased from $100 to $135 for adults and from $85 to $105 for minors.

The fee to renew a passport book has also been increased. Renewals for adult passport books have jumped from $75 to $110; renewing a minor's passport book will now cost $105.

The fee for adult passport cards has been increased to $55.  A passport card for a minor will now cost $40.

Passport cards allow its holder to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda either a cruise ship port, or at a land border crossing. They're typically used by frequent cruise ship travelers or people who live near the border and travel over it to work.

Cruise Ship Embarkation Procedures

I ran across this informative article today . . .

The Cruise vacation you have been planning for a year is now a reality.

You’ve packed your bags with the appropriate clothes for cruise travel. You have filled out all of the cruise documentation, do this at home, don’t wait to get to your cruise ship, and now you are ready for this highly anticipated cruise. There are a few cruises tips about embarkation day that you should know before you head for your cruise vacation.

Read full article

Countdown to the Last Paper Airline Ticket

Paper Tickets On Way to Museum - They're Out!

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has begun an important countdown - 100 days to 100% e-ticketing. 100% electronic ticketing eliminates lost tickets, makes itinerary changes easy and enables a wide array of self-service options.

"In 100 days the paper ticket gets put in a museum. On June 1, 2008 we will achieve 100% electronic ticketing," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO.

For more information, visit www.iata.org/stbsupportportal