Chaperones.  Policies vary, but many cruise lines require a specific ratio of adult chaperones to minors.  These policies are strictly enforced and documentation of passengers’ ages will be checked before departure.

Onboard Casinos.  Age requirements for entrance to shipboard casinos vary from one cruise line to another.  It’s best to know in advance whether 18-year-olds will be welcome in the casino on your ship, or if the gaming tables are off limits to those under 21.

Teen Activity Programs.  Most cruise lines have well-developed activity programs for younger children, and some are now creating spaces and activities that are attractive to one of the most demanding consumer groups – teenagers.  Be aware that some cruise lines and ships have more to offer teens – such as supervised, parent-free, teen-only lounges and dance clubs – than others.   Finally, let your personal cruise expert work with you to arrange the many details that need attention when you plan a group cruise.  And, enjoy the winter knowing that you’ll cruise through spring break!

The current uncertainties in the financial markets are leading many people to reconsider their vacation plans and budgets.  Fortunately, economizing doesn’t mean that you have to postpone a cruise vacation.  Here are some tips for stretching – and protecting – your cruise vacation investment.

            Work with a travel professional.  The amount of information available about cruise vacations can be overwhelming and confusing to anyone who doesn’t work in the industry.  Travel professionals are trained to understand your preferences, then sort through all the options to find the best cruise for you and the best value for your budget.  Because they are aware of the latest offers for the lowest fares, they can save you both time and money.  Some travel professionals specialize in cruise vacations and have a great deal of personal cruising experience.  Some even specialize in cruises to specific regions of the world.  If you know where you want to cruise – Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, etc. – these specialists can offer the most in-depth knowledge to help you make your choice.

            Consider all the options.  There are a multitude of options in cruise travel and lots of ways to economize.  For example, if your budget doesn’t stretch to cover a 10-night cruise, consider a shorter itinerary: even three or four nights on a cruise ship can be a relaxing, refreshing vacation experience.  Also consider the many different categories of staterooms.  Everyone loves a suite with a verandah, but smaller staterooms are more economical and may be all you need if you spend much of your time enjoying the ship’s public spaces.  Consider using the ports of departure that are closest to home, which might provide savings on airfare.  And, review available shore excursions with an eye toward those that fit a scaled-down budget. Again, a cruise travel professional can help you sort through the options. 

            Purchase travel insurance for peace of mind.  Unfortunately, plans for any cruise vacation can be affected by unpredictable weather, cancelled flights or sudden illness.  However, you can protect your financial investment in a cruise vacation by purchasing travel insurance.  Travel insurance firms have a variety of coverage options that provide reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses if your cruise vacation is cancelled or interrupted.  Many travel insurance companies also have 24-hour assistance lines to provide help and advice.  Insurance can usually be purchased for a small fraction of the cost of a cruise.  Your travel professional will be able to explain more about the travel insurance options available to you. 

 Destination weddings are an exciting choice for couples who want to tie the knot in a way that’s out of the ordinary.  Now, more of them are discovering that a cruise is one of the best and easiest ways to hold a destination wedding.

            Cruises offer an incredible variety of locations for a destination wedding, from the islands of the Caribbean to Europe, Alaska, South America, the South Pacific and beyond.  Wedding couples can usually choose to be married on the ship or on shore.

            While a few ships are permitted to marry couples while out at sea, legal implications require most ships to host weddings only when in port.  Couples should also put aside the romantic notion of being married by the ship’s captain.  Instead, the cruise line will arrange for a non-denominational minister, judge or other qualified official to conduct the ceremony.

            One fabulous benefit of being married on a cruise is that the cruise line will provide you with the services of a wedding coordinator.  The coordinator will help you arrange every detail of your ceremony, from music and flowers to photography, video recording, formal wear and a wedding cake.  Food can range from light refreshments to a multi-course, sit-down dinner for you and your wedding guests

If you want to be married on land, the cruise line’s wedding coordinator will work with on-shore providers to make sure everything is arranged beautifully.  Depending on your itinerary, your coordinator may be able to suggest some truly spectacular settings for your vows: perhaps a sunlit beach, a sparkling glacier or a European garden.

Another major benefit of a cruise-based wedding is that the ceremony can blend seamlessly into a memorable honeymoon.  You’ll sail to beautiful, interesting ports of call while enjoying the amenities of the ship.  Every evening includes great dining, music and entertainment all right outside your stateroom door.

            Be aware that the options for wedding flowers, music, food, etc. on a cruise ship may not be as extensive as those in your hometown.  However, the cruise line will work with you to ensure your ceremony, and its flourishes, is suited to your taste and budget.  In fact, cruise ship weddings are often less expensive than traditional weddings.  For more information about planning a cruise ship wedding, talk with your personal cruise expert.

Just returned from Nashville Tennesse for a three day trip with six girlfiends. It was my sister's 50 b-day trip ( she wanted Europe but....) and the big party is this week put on by her husband. But this was a short but activity packed three day with good friends. We need that every once in a while to forget our responsibilites at work and home and just be silly at any age and relax. We went to a number of historical sites incliding the Carter house that was still standing after the cival war and of course shopped for boots. On Friday we just hung out in downtown  NAshville at a famous music bar called Tootsies- full of  Gator football fans in for the game with Vanderbuilt, and people of all ages - everyone dancing and just having  a good-ol- time. On Saturday night we were lucky enough to see at the Grand-ol Oprey Randy Travis, VInce Gill and hard to believe Kevin Costner who plays the guitar- not great but he is still good to look at. The Opery  was at the original CW Home of Mnnie Pearl in downtown Nashville but we did have a chance on Sunday to visit the new Grand Old Opery North of Nashville. We all thank KAren and her family for hosting  the girl-cation and I found out the Nashville is on my list of places I could live in if need be.

Kids, parents and grandparents have long been familiar with the magic of Disney’s fabulous theme parks and resorts.  Now, many are discovering that the magic extends to the open sea on Disney Cruise Line’s ships.In fact, the cruise line offers a unique opportunity: a seven-night Land & Sea Vacation that combines three or four nights on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas with a three- or four-night stay at Walt Disney World.  In addition to the Bahamas, Disney offers cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and along the coast of the Mediterranean, as well as some trans-Atlantic sailings.The special features of Disney cruises include the Disney characters you know and love.  They appear on every Disney cruise, with lots of meet-and-greet and photo opportunities.  Some Disney cruises include a special breakfast with the characters.This very family-friendly cruise line offers group babysitting for children as young as 12 weeks and as old as three.  The Oceaneer Club provides a play space specifically designed for ages three to seven, while the Oceaneer Lab is for ages eight to 12.  Teens have their own space on board, which includes big-screen televisions, a lounge area, a dance floor and an Internet café.While the kids are happily occupied, Disney cruises also offer plenty for adults to do.  The Quiet Cove area – which includes a pool, spa, bar and the Cove Café – is off limits to anyone under 18.  An elegant, adults-only restaurant, Palo, serves champagne brunch, high tea and dinner.  There are also lounges just for adults, which offer music and themed parties after 10 p.m.Of course, a Disney cruise also provides activities that bring families together: deck parties, live shows, family karaoke, shore excursions and more.  Families can also enjoy gathering for meals in one of the three main restaurants: Animator’s Palate, Parrot Cay and either Lumière’s (on the Disney Magic) or Triton’s (on the Disney Wonder).Talk with your personal cruise expert about experiencing the magic of a Disney cruise.

AIR TRAVEL

ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

• CURRENTLY: 
  U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (scheduled to be in full production beginning in July 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
• LATER:
  On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI.  The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document. 

Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS: 

• U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
• The Passport Card: Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements.  Based on current projections, we expect the passport card to be in full production beginning in July 2008. We will provide additional updates as available. Once in production, the passport card it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
• WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
• • Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
  • State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
  • Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
  • U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
  • Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
  • Form I-872 American Indian Card

For further information see U.S. Customs and Border protection. 

ABOUT WHTI
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.
The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

For everyone who wants to make the most of their vacation dollars, cruising offers tremendous

value.  A cruise provides a complete package of lodging, transportation, meals and entertainment, all for one up-front price. Accommodations on a cruise ship range from efficiently designed staterooms to expansive suites.  You’ll find the furnishings to be comfortable, with excellent service provided by your room steward.  Still, many cruise passengers spend little time in their private accommodations because there is so much to do and see in the public spaces on the ship.One of the wonderful things about taking a cruise is that the ship transports you from one port of call to another with no effort on your part.  You don’t need to re-pack your belongings, rent a car, hop on a train or board a plane to see more than one destination.  Cruise ships often move between ports while their passengers sleep, meaning that you’ll wake up in a new place that’s ready for you to explore.Cruise ship dining is legendary for both quality and quantity.  That’s not to say that cruise passengers are encouraged to overindulge, but that a variety of delicious food is available 24 hours a day.  Elegant dining rooms present multi-course meals; open-air buffets provide casual dining options; and room service can deliver a late-night snack.  Some ships also offer cozy coffeehouses, casual pubs, spa cafes, or specialty restaurants with innovative cuisine. Cruise ships offer plenty of entertainment for all ages.  Many cruise lines have excellent organized programs for children and teens, with trained staff and great facilities.  Adults can take advantage of well-equipped shipboard gyms and spas, casinos, lounges and libraries.  Everyone can enjoy swimming, sunning and deck games.  For those with a competitive streak, there are often contests and tournaments.  In the evening, many cruise lines offer professional stage shows, live music for dancing, or movies.But, that’s not all cruising has to offer.  When in port, explore on your own or take advantage of  a variety of shore excursions and activities – for a reasonable fee.  Depending on your itinerary, you could spend a day relaxing on a soft sand beach, strolling through a historic city, spotting wildlife or skimming over a glacier behind a team of sled dogs.With hundreds of cruise ships and itineraries to choose from, cruising is a vacation that can suit any age, any personality and any budget.  Talk with your personal cruise expert to reserve your space on the cruise that’s right for you.

Cruise enthusiasts who fly to their points of embarkation have reason to fear that their checked luggage could be lost.  During 2007, airlines lost seven bags for every 1,000 passengers, according to the Department of Transportation.  The lost baggage rate has climbed steadily every year since 2002. To rest assured that your luggage will arrive at the ship even before you do, consider using a luggage delivery service.  In exchange for an up-front fee, these services will collect your packed bags from your home or office and ship them to your departure port.  Shipping luggage ahead allows you to move through airports more quickly and easily.  You won’t have to maneuver your luggage through a crowd, wait in line to check your bags or take them through a security checkpoint.  In addition, you won’t be surprised by any of the additional fees that many airlines are charging for extra, oversized or overweight bag.  On the plane, you won’t have to search for an empty overhead bin that can accommodate your bags or try to stuff them into the space under the seat in front of you.  At your destination, you can stroll past the baggage claim area and go right to your ground transportation.  After your cruise, shipping your luggage home will ease your return flight, allowing the relaxing effects of your cruise to stay with you a bit longer.

While the convenience of a luggage delivery service may tempt you to board a plane carrying nothing more than a good book, remember that some items should always travel with you in a small carry-on bag.  These items include prescription medications and items of significant value. To find out more about luggage delivery services, talk with your personal cruise expert.

 If you’re thinking about a European cruise vacation but have already sailed the Mediterranean and the Baltic, another option awaits you: a river cruise.

A river cruise offers a relaxing, scenic way to visit Prague, Vienna, Cologne, Budapest and many more centers of European history, art and culture.  Between the cities, you’ll find charming villages and idyllic countryside.River cruise ships are different from their ocean-going counterparts.  On these smaller, lower-profile ships, you’re not likely to find amenities such as swimming pools or casinos.  However, you will find comfortable cabins and public spaces, which often have expansive windows and wide-open decks for viewing the ever-changing scenery.  The boat’s flat bottoms provide a smooth ride, minimizing any worries about motion sickness. The smaller size of river cruise ships also means they can go places that their larger, ocean-going cousins cannot.  River cruise ships can literally sail into the heart of each destination, docking close to city centers.  There will be something new to do and see on shore each day, and most shore excursions are included in the base price of a river cruise.

            The most popular river cruises in Europe may be those that float down the Rhine or the Danube, but cruise ships also travel on the Main, the Seine and many others.  For example, in the Low Countries of The Netherlands and Belgium, cruise ships sail the Nieuw Maas, Waal and Schelde Rivers to call on Amsterdam, Antwerp and Rotterdam.  Spring is a wonderful time to cruise there, as the windmill-dotted landscape comes alive with colorful tulips.Many river cruise guests enjoy spending a few extra days in the cities – such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris or Lucerne – where their cruises begin or end, taking time to get to know a city that can’t be reached by an ocean cruise.  To find out more about combining a European river cruise with additional time on shore, talk with your personal cruise expert.