Drink Anyone??

I know we have all heard the saying "booze cruise", however that is a saying most cruise lines do not use in todays market. Cruises are not about the drinking. Sure I have had a few to many on a ship, but that's not why I cruise. I love traveling to new destinations and meeting so many cool people. Anyways, let's now discuss drinking!

Prices- This can differ from ship to ship. I can tell you most ships have a drink of the day. Everyday you get some kind of newsletter sent to your room. It will have a drink special so try it!! My favorite drink is only made on one cruise line!! I tried it as a special of the day.

Souvenir Glasses- This is where allot of money is made when it comes to drinking. Try not to get the souvenir drink. You can always ask for it not in the take home glass and it will be cheaper. Also, it takes up space in the suitcase for your better souvenirs.

Packages- They will sell many soda and wine packages. You really have to know what you plan to drink. You know if you need this or not. It is a good deal if you drink a lot.

Travel Agents- Many give wine or champagne as a gift. Why book with the cruiseline and get nothing??

Parties on Board- Attend, Attend, Attend!! If you are asked to attend a party most likely something will be given out. The Captain usually has a party and if you are a returning cruiser with the line you could have additional parties. I attend about three a cruise now. I love it!!

Crusie Clubs- Each cruisline has some kind of returning member program. Join and let your agent know you belong. I always get a coupon for a free drink on my favorite line.

Volunteer- Sometimes you get a free drink just by assisting the Bingo guy count the balls!!

You can have a $50 bill to a $1500 since its up to you!! Just drink in moderation and you will have a great time. Please don't fall overboard!! (It's usually drunk people who do this) Next time your cruise with RCCL have my favorite drink the BBC!!! It's the best foo foo drink on the planet!!

Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance?? I have been on 23 cruises and two times needed insurance. One time I had it and one time I did not.
My first time was in 2004 due to a hurricane in Florida. Coming from the west coast all flights had been canceled. The ship left with out us!! This time I did have insurance and I was paid back in cash for my trip. I then rebooked it 6 weeks later. The second time I hurt my leg on board. I left with a big bill after seeing the doctor onboard. My health insurance did reimburse me when I got home, but that is not always the case.
Here is what insurance usually covers. I pulled info from a company I sell to my clients as an example.
Trip Cost Trip Cancellation & Interruption
$ 1,000 Trip Delay
$ 1,000 Missed Connection
$200 maximum per day
$ 1,500 Baggage & Personal Effects
$ 500 Baggage Delay
$ 50,000 Accident Medical Expense
$ 50,000 Sickness Medical Expense
$ 50,000 Emergency Medical Transportation

The medical really helps you if your sick in a foreign port. It's not cheap to get you back home. Read the fine print!! How will you be paid back??? Some our cash and some our future credits on a ship. This is huge!! You usually see this on policys that our cancel for any reason. I really love these programs. If your work is a problem get this kind of insurance!! I hope this information was helpful!!

The New Passport Card for 2008

What is the passport card?? Well here is the definition from http://www.travel.state.gov ..

The passport card is a wallet-size card that can only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea.

That's right its less expensive!! If you only travel to these countries why pay for the regular passport?? The cost of the passport card is only $45 for adults and $35 for children. I find so many people are buying the regular passport. This is a great alternative and really can save yourself money for those shore excursions!!