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Michael Given, MCC (CLIA)
Mary DeAngelis, ACC (CLIA)
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Cruise Vacation - Arrive Safely and On Time
Author: Mary Hanna
When you are flying to the port to board the cruise ship keep several things in mind. Use the cruise lines airfare program whenever possible. They will know when have you arrived or haven’t arrived because of an airline delay. If there many other passengers on the plane they will hold the ship.
There is however, as in most things, a down side to using the cruises air program. You have no decision on which airline you fly, you most probably won’t get a direct flight, and you may get some oddball times to fly. You can fix that by calling the cruise lines Air Deviation Desk. You can work with them to get a better flight, or airline, or flight times. They will charge you, usually around $50.00 per person. The Cruise Line will provide transfers from the airport to the ship. If you are making your own airline reservation be sure to inquire if the cruise line will sell you a transfer from the airport to the ship. If you make your own air reservations follow these rules:
Make sure you book it on the right date. Don’t laugh, this does happen.
Leave plenty of time between the planes arrival and the ships departure. If you use your own air you must collect your baggage and get it to the ship. The cruise line will not do this unless you use their program. Count your bags when you leave, when you arrive at the destination airport and when you get to the cruise ship.
At the end of your cruise vacation make sure there is PLENTY of time between disembarkation and the time your planes takes off, including the time it will take you to get to the airport and check in. Because of today’s threat of terrorism you must get to the airport 2-3 hours before departure. A lot of airlines overbook and late comers are the one’s that are bumped.
If you have a problem where you will always be screened by the security, arrive even earlier. I have a titanium knee and even though I have documentation from the Doctor and the manufacturer of the knee, I am always pulled aside and searched. We know this will happen and budget our time accordingly. You should now know what not to pack in your carry on. Don’t pack them-they will be confiscated. Airport security takes all of this very seriously and so should you, for your own safety.
Check the date of your arrival to the ship and the day you are departing the ship to make sure neither dates fall on a daylight savings day. It makes a difference since you will either be losing an hour or gaining an hour, crucial in timing your flights. A little fact like this can make a big difference.
If making phone calls with a phone card from the airport be very careful when punching in your numbers. Crooks will stand behind you and rip off your calling card number. You won’t know anything about it until that $2,000.00 bill arrives at the end of the month. This has happened to us and although we were not responsible for the charges it was still a hassle. When you’re finished with one call and you want to make another, don’t hang up just press the pound button after your party has hung up and a new dial tone will come on. This is much easier and safer then re-entering the calling card number.
When you get to the ship there will be lines to check in and there is nothing you can do about it so please be patient. There will be lines for the x-ray machine (don’t put anything in your hand luggage that will need to be confiscated – it will take even longer), then there will be lines to actually get your boarding pass.
As you make your way to the gangway there will possibly be another line while the ship photographers take your picture (no purchase necessary). When you pass from into the ship you will be greeted by the cruise director and a member of the crew will take your hand luggage and escort you to your cabin. Hoorah! You’ve arrived. Stow your valuables in the safe, get the layout of the ship, and go make your appointments, then make your way to the buffet for lunch or vice versa depending on the time you arrive. You’ve just started your best vacation yet.
Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com
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