CELL PHONES ON THE HIGH SEAS

It is almost impossible to go anywhere without being able to reach out and touch someone. Cellular telephone communication is just one of today's modern communication methodologies. It is not at all unusual to see people driving and talking on their cell phone. The most unusual cell conversations we've seen were a youngster on a skateboard talking on his cellphone and a young lady riding on horse back and talking on the phone. Whether we have to stay in communication as much as we do is a subject for another discussion but here we're just going to look at the cost of maintaining communication while on a cruise ship.

Many of today's modern cruise ships are equipped to enable those who need to STAY IN COMMUNICATION to do so. On a recent Caribbean cruise we used our cell phones a lot. After all, we did have to keep our business going and we did have to stay in contact with family and friends and we did have to send and receive our e-mails on our Blackberry. All this at a cost. When our cell phone bill arrived, we found out just how expensive today's communication can be. The use of shipboard cellular service over that two week period was more than the monthly cost of our cellular service.

Believe me, I'm not saying don't use your cell on a ship. There are times when, for business or personal reasons, you must communicate. If ya gotta do it, you gotta do it. But, if it can wait, let it wait! Avoid the un-necessary expense and shock when the bill comes in after that wonderful cruise.

Consider the pros and cons before reaching out:

Pros - Maintain Communication with; business associates and customers, family and friends parents and children and emergency situations.

Cons - Expense, ability to escape the world's hustle and bustle, personal privacy, don't even think about texting.

Alternative, save your conversation till you're in port where the roaming charges are much lower. You might even find that your cellular provider has service there.

Travel Insurance

When your personal cruise specialist or travel agent asks you if you would like to buy travel protection insurance, think at least twice before you say “Oh they’re just trying to make more money on something I don’t really need." They are doing you a great service in making that offer.

What is Travel Protection Insurance?

Very simply, travel protection insurance protects you against loss of your travel investment. The loss of investment can range anywhere from lost luggage to trip cancellation and more. We never travel without it.

Some of the major things travel protection insurance can protect you against:

Trip cancellation and interruption
Missed connections and Trip delay
Loss of baggage and/or personal effects and Baggage delay
Accidental and sickness medical expenses
Emergency medical transportation

Other coverage may apply for:

24-Hour Medical and Medical monitoring assistance
Medical evacuation
Emergency medical and prescription payments assistance
Transportation of dependents and family visits
Transportation of mortal remains
24-Hour Legal and travel assistance
Travel document assistance
Emergency cash transfer and message center assistance

Some insurers provide coverage for pre-existing conditions while others don’t. Be sure to buy the insurance that best covers you and your travel companion(s). For example, if a member of your party is diabetic, be sure to buy insurance that will cover pre-existing conditions in case any complications arise from their diabetes.

Cruise line and independent insurer insurances may differ greatly and you need to fully understand these conditions before buying either.

Our tip to you -

BUY THE INSURANCE!

Special Occasion Gifts

Ok Folks, for those of you who have family that do not live close to you (and many of us Senior Pearls are in that situation), have you started your Christmas, Chanukah or other Holiday Shopping?

I’m going to tell you that many of us are tired of trying to guess what size to get for the grandkids, what toy or gadget they don’t already have 3 of, figuring out the latest style so they will wear whatever we spend hours to pick out or sending the check in the mail because we don’t know what else to do and we don’t want to spend all day in the Mall. We’re tired of trying to figure out what their parents need or what color their house is painted this week so we can pick out the perfect towels, tablecloths, etc, etc. Christmas shopping has become a chore and really cuts into our social schedule - so here’s my idea – No Malls, No long lines at the Post Office and No Guessing – Give the gift of lasting memories! Book a family cruise for the Holidays or for Winter, Spring, Summer or some other vacation time in 2008. And the BONUS IS – you get to spend time with the family while they can still participate in other activities – you don’t have to entertain them, nor do you have to cook and clean up after them – you can just ENJOY them. PERFECT – I SAY!! Hmmm, with the right arrangements, you can get a package that will cover Christmas and Birthdays, Anniversaries, graduations, whatever – Are You with me?

Let’s face it – what will be a lasting memory from grandma or grandpa? Will it be the fashion item or gadget that they can’t live without this week or a great vacation on a cruise ship?? What do you think??? Trust me, it’s a great value for money!

Oh, and just in case some of your children or older grandchildren see this – we love you all but we really don’t need anything else to dust, wear nor cook-in. We’ve got passports. HINT, HINT!!

Passports and Travel Regulations

Per US Governement State Department regulations,a valid passport is the required document for proof of identity and citzenship. However,due to the high volume for new and renewal passports, the date for full implementation of this law, particularly as relates to travel in the Western Hemishpere, has been delayed several times. THE FACT IS, THIS REQUIREMENT WILL BE ENFORCED, most likely before the end of 2008.
Here of late, the waiting time for new issues and renewals has become shorter. If you will be traveling outside the United States and do not now possess a valid passport that will expire at least 6 months after the return of your trip, we strongly recommend that you apply for your new or renewal passport as soon as possible. There are many ways to accomplish this and we recommend that you see the State Department website (http://travel.state.gov/index.html) for the most up to date information for application methods and enforcement dates.
Since it may take a little time to gather the necessary documents to apply we suggest you start now so as to avoid stress and disappointment as you attempt to accomplish your travel plans. A little advance planning will be essential to making your dream vacation a reality. Expedited passport renewal can be accomplished through the US Government or, at a cost, through other agencies. Let us know if we can help you with these arrangements.

Visas are necessary to enter some countries and the process of obtain them is also time consuming. Don't wait till the last minute! Expedited Visa procurement can be accomplished through other agencies at a cost Let us know if we can help you with these arrangements.

Folks You Meet While Cruising

One of the joys of cruising is not only meeting the people of the various ports of call but also meeting and getting to know and understand the crewmembers on the ships. These people, who originate from many nations, do all they can to make your cruising experience unique and satisfying. Each of them has a wonderful story to tell. Have them share their story with you.