Ask Us About Travel - Q & A

My question is about cruises from California to Lima, Peru.

8/3/2012

The seaport of El Callao is the most important in the country and one of the most active in the South Pacific. Large freighters and cruisers come from abroad to anchor on its waters.

Princess Cruise Lines offers a cruise that departs from Los Angeles, California and makes a port of call stop in Lima (Callao), Peru...Don't know if they would allow you and your husband to disembark in Peru, (prior visas may be required) and allow you to re-board to return home at a later date when the ship revisits the port.

You may want to consider freighter travel from a port in the US to Lima, Peru. It will take a lot longer, because the freighter has to load and unload containers and or cargo, so all port of call times will vary. It should be easier to disembark in Lima, and re-board (although it may take a month or more) at a later date. If you have to leave from the east coast or southern ports. The trip should be very interesting, because the ship would probably have to transit the Panama Canal.

Where is the best place to go in Europe for a cheap weekend?

8/2/2012

Depends on where you want to go, and how far you want to travel for your weekend get away...see the link below for several destinations throughout Europe.
http://www.for-the-weekend.com/

What’s new with the MSC Cruise line?

7/31/2012

Nothing new on the MSC Poesia, the only one of their ships sailing in the US out of Port Everglades. I guess they are going to milk that ship until it dies. No upgrades announced for this ship to my knowledge.

We sailed on the MSC Poesia last year, booked their best cabin on deck 15, it was advertised as a suite. This cabin was no larger than a veranda cabin that other cruise lines offer at a lesser price. Granted deck 15 has a marvelous view, quiet, easily accessible to the elevators, the showroom, Zebra lounge, and the lido (pool & buffet) deck. But the cabin is not a suite, they offer no additional amenities like you would expect in their best top of the line cabin.

Beautiful ship, the layout is fantastic, but they need to do a minor rehab on deck 15, and create a MSC Yacht Club area, in order to justify the extra cost for the cabins.

I’m not sure how to go about choosing a cruise line for our 25th wedding anniversary vacation.

7/29/2012

Depends on the type of cruise you and your wife are interested in...

Different cruise lines offer different types of cruises at different times of the year. They all offer themed cruises. Are you a active person, or do you like things laid back?

In our opinion, we like to use a local travel agent. This way we get their insight and experience. They also can provide you with cruise line brochures and pamphlets, and maybe able to offer you a group rate or some type of on board incentive.

Where can I find user reviews before we book our next cruise?

7/28/2012

We always go to: Ralph Grizzle The Avid Cruisers website, http://www.avidcruiser.com/cruise-line-profiles/ for a honest and comprehensive report.

We also check the following websites prior to booking on a ship or cruise line we have never sailed with before: - http://www.cruise-addicts.com/reviews/index.php
- http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/
- http://www.cruiselinefans.com/hc/cruise-reviews/home
- http://thecruiselines.com/write-cruise-reviews.htm
- http://www.cruisereport.com/crReviewList2010.aspx
- http://www.cruisesonly.com/reviews/cruise-ship-reviews.asp?home=1
- http://www.ecruisereviews.com/
- http://meetoncruise.com/review/reviews.php

I’d like to research the destinations of various cruise lines. Can you suggest a web-site?

7/28/2012

The cruise lines will generally describe their different ports of call on their website, but you are only getting what they want you to know, and of course are geared to sell their cruises and tours. In our opinion the best way to research different destinations offered on a cruise is to first select the destination, cruise and cruise line. We use http://vaacationstogo.com to find the right cruise that meets our needs. We then use several search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask, etc. Even Wikipedia is a good resource to get the information you want to know about the ports of call.

When is Disney’s newest cruise ship set to sail?

7/27/2012

Disney Fantasy arrived in New York Feb 28, 2012, after traveling nearly 3,800 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from Bremerhaven, Germany. After the ship's christening on March 1,2012, it will sail to its homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida, , for the March 31 maiden voyage to the Caribbean and weekly cruises thereafter.

Any fun activities going on in Alaska this summer that we should consider on our cruise?

7/25/2012

Alaska is huge...some of the highlights we feel you will enjoy and are available at different ports of call include: whale watching, fishing, gold mining, hiking on a glacier, animal watching (but remember the animals are on their time not yours- so if you see them consider yourself lucky), The cruise line train tour to Denali National Park should be considered a must. You should really enjoy Alaska, it is truly a treasure.

I would like more information on cruise departure ports?

7/22/2012

Where do you live??? In the US I presume.

Departure ports in the US include: Baltimore MD, Bayonne NJ, Boston MA, Charleston SC, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Galveston TX, Jacksonville FL, Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, New Orleans LA, New York NY, Norfolk VA, Port Canaveral FL, San Diego CA, San Francisco CA, Savannah GA, Seattle WA, Tampa FL

How do I know what cruise line is best for me?

7/21/2012

Depends on your age, are you a couple or sailing solo. What you are looking for in a cruise???

Rule of thumb - all cruise lines will offer you one of the most rewarding experiences of you life. Generally short cruises tend to attract younger cruisers, while longer cruises attract older passengers, but all offer great great food, good entertainment, many ports of call, and you should have a good time and not be bored.

Carnival - has usually a younger crowd - their ships are known for being a party boat or beer barge.

We like Holland America - they offer smaller ships, priced right, good mix of ages on short cruises, and more mature elderly group on longer cruises and the amenities are second to none..

When will Carnival offer more cruises from New York?

7/19/2012

Carnival Miracle has been sailing from NYC, since April and will offer 30 departures this year to the Bahamas and the Caribbean for 8 day cruises. Carnival Glory will also offer 13 departures starting August to October with 4, 5, 7 day cruises to Canada/New England.

Bahamas ports of call include: Grand Turk Turk & Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay Bahamas, Nassau Bahamas with 4 at sea days.

Caribbean ports of call include: San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas US Virgin Islands, Grand Turk Turk & Caicos Islands. with 4 at sea days.

Canada/New England ports of call are: 4day to St John NB Canada, with 2 sea days - 5day to Halifax NS Canada, and St John NB Canada, with 2 sea days - 7day to Halifax NS Canada, St John NB Canada, Portland ME, and Boston MA, with 2 sea days.

What can you tell me about the Princess Line’s new Royal Princess?

7/16/2012

The new Royal Princess will be joining their fleet in June 2013.

It will carry 3600 passengers and has some very cool features, such as the SeaWalk and SeaView Bar that have glass floors and stick out over the ocean, a large adults-only pool with private cabanas, and an evening water and light show. See http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/rp/index.html for lots more!

A few of other exciting new innovations and signature features not mentioned in the previous answer that you may be interested in:

An even larger and expanded atrium with additional entertainment and casual dining options.
An enhanced Movies Under the Stars® screen - our largest yet!
Balconies on all outside staterooms.

I want to cruise, but I don’t want to add weight. Any cruises offer a good exercise program?

7/15/2012

We suggest. you have most of your meals in the dining room. The portions are small to medium size. Even thought the menu offers 5 or more courses, you need not order everyone...

Stay away from the buffet as much as possible, or limit your selection to just one plate, and of course it never hurts to walk, walk, walk.

We love exploring nature and wildlife. What can you tell us about a Galapagos Island cruise?

7/14/2012

All Galapagos Cruises have been granted cruise itinerary by the Galapagos National Park. The cruise itinerary is designed to offer travelers with the best experience while minimizing the effect that tourism has on the Galapagos.

When selecting between Galapagos Cruises the most important factor to compare is the cruise itinerary. The best cruise itinerary is one that offers the broadest range of diversity. Most travelers decide on a Galapagos Cruise to see how the wildlife evolved differently between islands. A good cruise itinerary will let you see evolution in action. It is in witnessing firsthand how these animals evolved differently from each other you can observe Darwin's Theory of Evolution up close.

Are there any Russian tours of battle sites?

7/13/2012

Tours to Russia (see website below) provide a unique opportunity to visit some of the most well known military and historical sites that the country has to offer including World War I & World War II. The tour in our opinion is a little pricey $6799pp...but worth the cost, if your a real history buff.

Russia, 13 Days - http://www.battletours.com.au/tour/30-russian-victory-day-tour-2012 -

Tour Highlights:

Defence of Leningrad Museum - St Petersburg
Victory Day Parade - St Petersburg
Peter & Paul Fortress - St Petersburg
Tank Museum - Kubinka
Museum of Defence - Moscow
Red Square & Lenin's Tomb

Included In The Price (shown above):

Russia Visa Support
All accommodation in good 3 – 4* hotels
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) starting with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure.
Special Lunch with veterans
All transport including internal flights and train services.
English speaking specialist guide throughout
Local English speaking guides in museums
All entrance fees to sightseeing as described

Not included In The Price (shown above):

International Flights
Travel Insurance
Visa
All personal expenses

What cities have Canadian football league teams?

7/12/2012

Today, the league is made up of eight teams:

Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts in the East Division

BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Western Division.

Do i need a passport on a cruise from Miami to Jamaica?

7/10/2012

Not if your a US Citizen...

Like I've said before...A cruise that originates and terminates in the same U.S. city is referred to as a closed-loop cruise. "U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.

Be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents." The question remains as to whether cruise passengers need a passport to travel to Belize or Roatan, Honduras?

It is not necessary for U.S. citizens who take a closed-loop cruise to present a passport upon their return.

What can you tell me about Crystal Cruises?

7/8/2012

In our opinion, Crystal is a top notch cruise line operating two beautiful luxury cruise ships, a spectacular selection of itineraries, and the industry's most coveted hospitality awards/guidebook ratings. A Crystal cruise is truly ocean travel at its very best. Even the most discerning travelers will instantly recognize Crystal's exceptional quality, from each vessel's exquisite furnishings to the line's alliances with premium partners like Sotheby's and Berlitz.

CHECK OUT THE NEW 2012 ALL-INCLUSIVE SAILINGS.

2-for-1 Cruise Fares
Reduced Airfare Available
$300 Shore Excursion Credit
Prepaid Gratuities
Complimentary Specialty Restaurants
Free Wine, Beer, Premium Spirits

See the website below Then contact a local travel agent, web based travel agent, or the cruise line direct for more info. http://www.crystalcruise.com/crystalcruise/crystal_cruises.asp

Do I need a passport?

7/7/2012

Not if your going on a cruise, and your a US Citizen...

A cruise that originates and terminates in the same U.S. city is referred to as a closed-loop cruise. "U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.

Be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents." The question remains as to whether cruise passengers need a passport to travel to Belize or Roatan, Honduras?

It is not necessary for U.S. citizens who take a closed-loop cruise to present a passport upon their return.

Is it a good idea to book a cruise last minute?

7/6/2012

If your cabin or location is not important to you...last minute booking might be a good idea. Remember last minute deals don't give you many cabin selections...everyone booked on the cruise has an assigned cabin, usually all the best and desired locations you are buying what's left or large overpriced suites.

Again, if your cabin or location is not important to you. Try booking your cruise without a cabin selection. This method is known as {TBA} to be assigned. Your cabin will be assigned the day of the cruise at check-in. The advantage of doing it this way is; you are guaranteed a cabin in the cabin type selection you chose. If a cabin is not available in the cabin type you chose, they will upgrade you. You will never be downgraded.

In our opinion, it's best to book your cruise early, and negotiate your best deal, shop online travel agents, local travel agents, and the cruise line direct. Travel agents often block cabins for groups, and can include you as part of the group. In addition they can sometimes offer on board cabin credits or dinner in a gourmet restaurant on board.

We want to take an all inclusive 3 day cruise leaving from Orlando FL.

7/4/2012

No cruise ships leave from Orlando FL. You must drive about 1 hour (54.4 mi - FL-528 E) to Port Canaveral FL. You can also use the shuttle service provided by Orlando Disney Limo Service, they can provide round trip service from Orlando to the port. They charge $39.pp for this service.

Carnival offers a 3 Day Bahamas Cruise from $299.pp inside cabin to about 500.pp for a suite, on board the Carnival Sensation. Leaving from Port Canaveral with a overnight stop in Nassau and returning to Port Canaveral.
I think you will find this short cruise a nice inexpensive relaxing, romantic get away, probably just what your looking for...

We are considering a cruise to Hong Kong and would like to stay in a modern hotel. Any ideas?

7/3/2012

We really liked the The Mira Hong Kong...Set against the background of Hong Kong’s beautiful skyline is second to none. The Mira Hotel is an upscale hotel located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. The hotel is owned by Miramar Hotel and Investment. It was designed by architect Edmond Wong, interiors were designed by "lifestyle guru" Colin Cowie.

We want a cruise to one of the cities in Asia that provides the best shopping. Ideas?

7/1/2012

Asia cruises depart from major cities that offer a great shopping experience, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Bombay, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Some depart from Australia and Alaska as they reposition to new cruise regions.

Since you'll need to fly a very long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your Asia cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship

Most cruise lines Holland America, Costa, MSC, etc. offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

What’s a good web-site to help us plan our next cruise?

6/30/2012

We like (see website below) Vacations to Go...You select a range of dates...They will show every cruise line, every destination, number of days, prices etc. - You can also do a custom search, showing the cruise line, destination you want, number of days, prices, etc.

We always start there, select the cruise we are interest in...then shop around!

You may have to register in order to use this site. We've been signed up for at least 5 years, and have never been spammed, or bothered by anyone trying to sell us a cruise.
http://vacationstogo.com/

How do you know what cabin to choose on a cruise?

6/29/2012

In our opinion and I think most would agree. Mid-ship, on the lowest deck that offers a balcony cabin or mini-suites.are the most stable cabins on the ship.
Do yourself a favor and spend the extra bucks for a balcony. or mini-suite. These cabins are usually larger, and provide some extra room. Sailing to Alaska, New England, Europe, Mexico, Panama Canal,or the islands is a once in a lifetime experience, and you don't want to miss any of the scenery. An inside or outside cabin should definitely be out of the question, you will miss half of the beautiful views. Nothing like coffee or breakfast, served on your private balcony or veranda.