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.

---

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

Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to... Read More

Buying the Perfect Boat

Why is it, that when you are looking to buy... Read More

Find Many Cruise Deals That Suit Your Personal Style And Needs!

Finding Cruise Deals are half the battle when considering a... Read More

Tips on Marina and Dock Sealing

It is important to follow these procedures when sealing a... Read More

A Land Divided - A World United - The Panama Canal

It has been called "the big ditch", "the bridge between... Read More

See Alaska as Never Before: Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

Between the Alaskan mainland and its islands, lies an intriguing... Read More

The Merchant Navy and the Internet

A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea,... Read More

Bermuda Cruise Expert Guide

At just twenty-one square miles in size, the island of... Read More

Celebrity Cruise! Opulence Perfectly Staged

Each generation of Celebrity ships has emerged to assume a... Read More

Italy Cruise Expert Guide

History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people and stunning views -... Read More

Disney Cruise Expert Guide

Experiencing the magic of Disney at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney... Read More

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

The golden age of transatlantic ocean shipping and travel began... Read More

Yacht Chartering in Greece - A Few Things to Consider

When to GoThe sailing season in Greece lasts from March... Read More

The Delightful Land beyond Imagination

The kids are grown and gone, the mortgage is paid... Read More

Water Molecule Alignment for Increased Speed In the Water

A submarine can move faster thru the water if the... Read More

Caribbean Cruise Expert Guide

Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the... Read More

Bingo At Sea?

Under the "G" for Great Holiday. Bingo players can take... Read More

Like a Chicken to Water... Your First Steps on a Boat

Some people step onto a boat and are straight at... Read More

Six-Star Cruising on Luxury Cruise Lines

A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a... Read More

Celebrity Alaska Cruises!

Alaska cruises can be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance... Read More

The Absolute Best Romantic Gift Idea!

We all want to please and impress that special someone... Read More

Caribbean Cruise: An Enchanting Experience

A Caribbean cruise is the world's most popular cruise. The... Read More

Cruise The Nile of Cleopatra

For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center... Read More

Short Cruises - The Perfect Match For First Time Cruisers

Would you like to try a cruise, but aren't sure... Read More

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

If you find your boat with gray and weathered teak,... Read More

Entertainment At Sea

"All the world's a stage", the saying goes! And on... Read More

Luxury Cruising

A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending... Read More

Airboats - The Right Boat For Many People

The state of Florida is filled with lakes, swamps and... Read More

The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship

The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of... Read More

Norwegian Cruise Line - American Style!

It's not just the size and opulence of their sleek... Read More

Alaska By Ship

When was the last time you saw an eagle descend... Read More

Monaco Yachts

Sea and rich people: where else to find a better... Read More

Exploring New Englands Shore By Sailboat

Of the six states that comprise our country's quaint New... Read More