Keep Cruising and Keep Traveling - It is Safe

In the time that has followed since the tragic events of September 11, we have seen numerous changes happening to us all.

These changes began with shock, disbelief and anguish and so overwhelmed us, that they made all work related issues seem trivial and personal relationship seem especially dear. And believe me, this hits very close to home with a wife who works in the cruise industry in the United States.

Those of us in the travel business began to see numerous cancellations of long planned holidays and vacations, mostly from fear and misunderstanding of security, schedule changes even with the combined will and effort of the cruise industry attempting to keep passengers traveling and enjoying the process.

Should you take a vacation? Should you travel? I think we North Americans pride ourselves on our freedom to travel and enrich our lives by interacting with cultures from all over. To cocoon and avoid travel allows those who seek to destroy our freedoms the power to bring us to our knees.

I believe that America will not stop travelling, it is in our blood. The key is to increase your knowledge of travel related issues and to understand how the process has changed. What follows is a synopsis of the changes you can expect to see for the near and distant future.

What can I expect at the airport? There are stricter security measures on airport employees, merchants, airline employees, and vendors that service the airports?and also on travelers. Expect the line that you are standing in to take longer than before. Plan for longer time at the airport to park, check-in, and get to departing gate. You may also experience some inconveniences and delays - please be patient.

There will be thorough searches of all airports and airplanes before passengers are allowed to enter the aircraft. You will be required to limit carry on baggage and to possess government issued photo identification, and as always, I strongly urge you to obtain a passport as the most important piece of identification. You may also notice additional uniformed law enforcement officers and canine teams patrolling airports - all to guarantee your safety.

What changes will you see regarding your cruise experience? Embark and Disembark may take longer due to additional security measures. Strict enforcement of required identification and nationality/travel papers. Boarding will be denied without presenting proper documents. Your documents must be original - no copies will be allowed.

Here are the Top Ten Cruise Traveler Tips

1. Purchase trip/vacation interruption insurance. Check with your travel agent as to the coverage benefits and limitations.

2. Review your cruise documents in advance for important guidelines and travel tips. Again check with knowledgeable cruise agents to ensure you are well prepared.

3. Prior to leaving home, call the airline - or check their website for flight arrival and departure information

4. Be at the airport early - 2 hours or more unless local circumstances dictate allowing a longer time. Security screenings will take additional time.

5. Minimize carry-on luggage OR be prepared to have them searched and suspicious items confiscated (nail files, scissors/clippers etc.) Please make sure luggage is clearly tagged with the complete color bag-tags provided with your documents.

6. Make sure necessary medical items are with you rather than in checked luggage.

7. Make sure you have your passport and other identification on your person - not in checked baggage. 8. Lower the stress level of "getting to the ship on-time" by arranging a pre-cruise land package. Consider coming in a day early - especially when flying a long distance to the cruise.

9. Expect delays and longer lines than usual - and be pleasantly surprised if they are not that bad.

10. Be patient - once on board your cruise, you will have the fantastic time cruising is noted for.

To be very practical consider that if you look at the damage on September 11, the total number of deaths on the airlines is 288 including crew and militants. I will guarantee you that since September 11 more than 288 people have lost their lives on America's highways. It is estimated that greater than 34,000 will lose their lives traveling on the road and if you average that per day, 93 people daily will not make it to their destination via car. Flying is still the safest form of traveling.

This writer believes we have an obligation to continue the business of life, to live freely and to travel when and where we want within the constraints of common sense. To do other would suggest the terrorists have won.

Rest assured the cruise lines have made major changes in itineraries to place their ships in the safest and most enjoyable voyages possible. The Middle East itineraries may be eliminated for the duration but there are fantastic values on hundreds of other itineraries.

If you are concerned, sit down with a cruise expert and discuss your situation face to face to learn why cruising remains a safe, and enjoyable vacation and why now is the time to make your plans.

The good news today is that more people than are enjoying the hassle free way of cruising than ever before - securely!

Talk to your agent about price protection, deposits, penalties or lack of for cancellation and all the little details that will help assure a vacation like none other on earth. See you on board!

Sid Kaplan Cruise Vacations Guide

Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide which offers advice and tips to those looking to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided. Cruise, hotel, car rental and vacation adventure booking online.

---

Internet Cruises - Shopping Online

"If you build it, they will come."That advice, which prompted an Iowa farmer in the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams" to plow over his corn field and... Read More

Tropical Cruise Expert Guide

A tropical cruise in the Caribbean or in the Gulf of Mexico is an ideal choice of vacation for couples of all ages. Whether you're looking for... Read More

Philippines Surfing if You Want to Miss the Crowds

Philippines surfing is not quite a destination that would conjure up images of brilliant surfing breaks. Truth be told surfing in the Philippines can be fickle, but... Read More

Boat Winterization Services and Charges, Part II

Boat Winterization Services and Charges, Part IIIf you own a boat maintenance business you may have considered what your charges should be and what the boat owners... Read More

Why a Cruise Vacation is YOUR Dream Holiday

Thinking you could use an escape from the wintertime blahs, maybe even that dream holiday you've been thinking about for years? A Caribbean cruise vacation is the... Read More

What To Expect - My 1st Cruise Experience

Some years ago my wife and I decided to take a cruise. We headed for Southampton to join our cruise ship, weighed down with luggage. (Why do... Read More

From Ocean Cruises and Ocean Liners to Vacation Cruises and Cruise Ships

The golden age of transatlantic ocean shipping and travel began long after Columbus' trying to prove that the earth was round. After that time, ocean sailing vessels... Read More

Six-Star Cruising on Luxury Cruise Lines

A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a cruise at the upper end of the spectrum, not just five stars but a six-star cruise. There... Read More

Boat and Yacht Detailing - Teak Reconditioning and Care, Detailing the Deck

If you find your boat with gray and weathered teak, you may use any of the variety of products that are recommended from Nauticaleze. You may also... Read More

Survival At Sea: What You Need To Do, What You Need To Have

Two boys from South Carolina made headlines a few weeks ago. They had spent six days adrift at sea before being rescued ... off the coast of... Read More

10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin

The best advice is to be informed about cabins and pick the right cabin for you among the thousands available on a cruise ship.1. One of the... Read More

Buying a Used Sunfish Sailboat: Know The Ins and Outs Before Sailing Away

As anyone who's ever bought a used car knows, you have to approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the... Read More

Norwegian Cruise Line - American Style!

It's not just the size and opulence of their sleek and stylish fleet that attracts passengers to Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts the largest ratio... Read More

Marina Dock Cleaning Equipment

Docks needs to be routinely pressure washed or they become slippery and ugly from black algae and small spills. Often they have spilt oil, fish guts, beer,... Read More

The Alaska Cruise- A Living Memory

The Alaska cruise is a major attraction drawing vacationers with its majestic scenery, gleaming glaciers, exotic wildlife, and Native American culture. Ships are normally on a seven-day... Read More

Alaska Glacier Cruises: Alaska Up Close and Personal

What do you have in mind for your next vacation? Are you planning another trip to the same tired beach that you visit every year or an... Read More

Finding Discount Royal Caribbean Cruises

For those new to cruising, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that the Internet is your best friend when it comes to... Read More

Amazon Cruise Expert Guide

An Amazon cruise is the ultimate jungle adventure. From the endless green carpet of tree tops that make up the rainforest to the exotic wildlife that inhabits... Read More

The Absolute Best Romantic Gift Idea!

We all want to please and impress that special someone in our lives with a romantic gift. Millions are spent every year trying to accomplish this feat.... Read More

Short Cruises - The Perfect Match For First Time Cruisers

Would you like to try a cruise, but aren't sure if you'd really like it? Some people are intimidated about making a seven-day commitment to a cruise... Read More

How to Choose Alaskan Cruise-Tours with Princess Cruise Lines Vacation Packages

Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to Alaska? Princess Cruise Lines has arguably the best Alaskan cruise-tour vacation packages available. Princess has their own... Read More

Alaska Cruise Expert Guide

The Alaska cruise is a breathtaking adventure that you'll never forget. Giant snow-capped mountains, sparkling glaciers, thick pine forests rising up from the shoreline and abundant wildlife... Read More

Alaska - Easy Cruise Guide

WHAT TO SEE: Legendary beautiful scenery of Alaska- magnificent coastal fjords, rugged glaciers, vast evergreen forests, sky-high mountains, 7 of which are the tallest peaks in North... Read More

Taking a Deaf Cruise

Deaf and hearing impaired individuals are no different from anyone else except they cannot hear or hear well. Because the deaf culture consists of mainly deaf people... Read More

Orient Beach Shore Excursions - Beauty on the Beach!

When cruising to St. Martin (or Sint Maarten), some of the most beautiful land trips you could take would be the Orient Beach Shore Excursions. This fabulous... Read More

Panama Cruise Expert Guide

Situated in the country of Panama in Central America is the Panama Canal - a manmade waterway connecting the great oceans of the Pacific and the Atlantic... Read More