Hurricane Season Approaching

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1st and runs through November. We updated our Hurricane Preparedness Series last year with additional guidance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Click Image for Mini-Series

Hurricanes & Covid-19

Planning for hurricane season and other potential disasters can be stressful, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be especially so. Public health and emergency response professionals have advice to help you safely prepare, evacuate, and shelter for severe storms while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season this year.  

• Give yourself more time to prepare

  

  click image to enlarge

  
  
• Supplies may be in limited supply or unavailable
• Keep yourself safe while shopping for supplies
• Know about changes regarding local shelters
• Follow local recommendations for social distancing and mask usage
• Have a "go" kit prepared
• Be sure to plan for anyone at high risk or in need of extra assistance
• Stay safe after the hurricane

Read CDC's article  (here) for more information.

Recipe for a Hurricane

You already know that hurricanes are one of the most destructive forces on earth, but did you even wonder why they form? Three requirements are needed to create a hurricane: warm ocean waters (80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer), moist air, and converging winds. Watch this video to learn more about how they form. 

 
Learn more from National Ocean Service · NOAA · Department of Commerce · USA.gov (click here for more videos).

If you live in an area that is susceptible to hurricanes, or if you plan to travel to one, please take the time to read our mini-series and get prepared. While hurricanes usually give advance warning of impending approach, finding supplies or shelter may be harder during a pandemic. Stay #HurricaneStrong and prepared.

Connect With Us On

       

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Preparing for Air Travel

Are You Ready to Take to the Friendly Skies Once Again? 

These tips will help guide you through the process. We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have as well.  Be sure to watch the video from Alaska Airlines as they do their safety dance.

But First - Is Air Travel Safe?

We recognize that before you decide to travel, you need to address your health and safety concerns.  Latest research indicates that the risks of air travel may be significantly lower than those in your daily life, due to the health and safety measures which have been put in place by the travel industry.

Highlights of Health & Safety Measures:

• Frequent Air Exchanges in airports and onboard
• Implementation of HEPA Filtration
• Forward-facing seas create transmission barriers
• Use of masks

click image to enlarge

Top Travel Preparation Tips

• Travel only if feeling well
• Keep contact information updated with your travel professional & airline
• Complete Flight check-in via app or online
• Use self-service kiosks at airport
• Arrive early
• Minimize carry-on luggage
• Bring food for flight if desired
• Bring extra hand sanitizer (can be up to 12 oz)
• Pack extra masks

click image to enlarge

Expect Changes at Airport & Terminals

click image to enlarge

Don't Forget Your Masks

At the time of writing, there seems to be some confusion on which mask offers the best protection.  There has recently been some suggestions of doubling your masks with a surgical mask first and a cloth mask on top.  Follow recommended CDC guidelines at the time of your travel.   Be sure to note the types of masks which are not allowed (see graphic).   Wear your masks properly !

click image to enlarge

Life Onboard Your Flight Will be Different

click image to enlarge

And Now - Let's do the Safety Dance with Alaska Airlines

 

Connect With Us On

       

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Surviving Cruise Debarkation Day Part 2

Evening Before Debarkation

Most cruise lines now offer an "Easy Walk-off" option for those that don't have a lot of luggage, or for those that have early flight arrangements.  It is important to note that if you plan to use this method, you must be able to handle your entire luggage on your own. The crew will not be allowed to assist you.

For those that want to avail themselves of the normal process, bags must be packed and placed outside your cabin by the stated deadline.   This is usually shortly after late dining is completed.

Plan for What You Need in Morning

If you attended the cruise director's talk, he may have told you stories of passengers forgetting that they would need clothes in the morning and having to walk off the ship in a towel.  This may sound silly, but you do need to think about what items (clothing, toiletries, medicines, etc.) that you'll need in the morning.

We always have at least one carry-on bag with us so that we'll have a place to put our sleepwear, shavers, 3-1-1 bags with all our toiletries, and souvenirs that we don't want to pack in our larger suitcase.  Of course, you'll need your passports and other important travel documents with you as well.  Pack your large suitcase(s) and also have your carry-on packed, or at least know what will go in them, before placing the bags to be picked up outside your cabin.

Cruise Isn't Over Until 

the Paperwork is Done

Before retiring to bed, we suggest that you fill our your U.S. Customs Declaration Form and place it together with your passports.  Only one form is needed per family that are traveling and living together back home.   You'll need to know how much you spent in port and on the ship for things like souvenirs, jewelry, liquor, and clothing.   Anything that you purchased and are bringing off the ship must be counted.  You will have an allowance per family and the good news is that for things like liquor, your children count in determining the allowance.

Since the morning is an early one (usually all guests must be out of their cabins before 8 AM) you'll want to complete this the night before.  Doing so will allow you time for breakfast and a smooth, hassle free departure.

Once Docked, Crew  No Longer in Charge

Disembarkation is controlled by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection.  You'll find that there are several areas of the ship that will be blocked off and traffic patterns are strictly enforced.  You don't want to attempt to enter a controlled area.   It is for this reason that waiting areas are suggested by the crew in the instructions.   Don't proceed to the disembarkation point until your luggage color is called.  This will help keep the process moving for all passengers.

Go have breakfast and try to keep your entire traveling party together.   This way when an announcement is made for your luggage tag group, you will be able to disembark the ship.

There is a definite order of disembarkation and that will be listed in the instructions.  You might want to keep a copy of that handy so that you can tell when it is close to your time to disembark.  That allows you time for that one last bathroom break for example.

Note that the times listed for debark time are only approximate.   It is possible that the process may be halted several times to allow for crowd control.  There are a maximum number of passengers that can be in the terminal at a given time and as we mentioned, this is strictly under the control of the CBP.   Therefore, if there any doubt that you'll need more time, take the earlier tag when picking your luggage tags.

Getting to the Airport

Cruise lines sell "transfers" which can be prepaid or purchased on board the ship up to the stated time.  This is the easiest method for transferring to the ship because the ship's personnel will direct you to waiting buses for the trip to the airport.  You'll be amongst the earlier groups to depart the ship as well (ordered by flight times).  Caution: this could be a higher cost that arranging your own transportation, but it typically be the easiest.

Your travel professional can go over the various options applicable for your pier and airport location and can assist in booking the arrangements with the cruise line or other provider.   Remember, to be sure to allow sufficient time for the debarkation process.

Post-Cruise Tours

In many ports it is possible to book a post-cruise tour through the cruise line.  This is very similar to booking transfers but in addition to the transportation to the airport, you will also see one or more local sites.   This is a great option for those that booked later flights.  Consult the shore excursion sight before your cruise or during to determine your options here.  

Take-A-Ways

• Pack your luggage early so that you can enjoy your final evening onboard
• Leave clothing and other essentials for the morning
• Complete your Customs paperwork before retiring for the evening
• Pre-book transfers, tours, or know options for transfers to airport in advance
• Have a nice breakfast and listen for announcements
• When your luggage group is called, gather your belongings and head for the debark point
• Planning will help keep the stress levels down
• Also see Surviving Cruise Debarkation Day (Part 1)

Surviving Cruise Debarkation Day

Ending Cruise on a High 

The final full day of the cruise has arrived and fortunately it is a sea day.  That means you don't need to rush breakfast and get ready to go into port.   You plan to take full advantage of the ship and let any remaining stress melt away.

Last night you didn't have time to read the daily paper, so you pick it up and start to see what activities are planned by the staff.   Scanning through the list of morning activities, you see one that catches your eye ... "Debarkation Information - hosted by Cruise Director".  There is a note that says, one person from each family should attend.   Wait, what - I'm on vacation - what do you mean?

MUST I ATTEND?

Especially if you are a cruise rookie (first time cruiser) it is highly advisable that you attend any briefing offered by the Cruise Director or staff.   This will make your life much easier, since they will provide all the information you need and answer any questions.   On most ships, this information is disseminated in multiple ways, so if you have some conflict, you can skip the session.

For example, there should also be more information either in the daily paper or as a supplement covering everything you need to disembark the ship.  Often the debarkation talk is recorded and available for viewing on the ship's TV station during the rest of the day.

Flight Times Dictate Departure

Just Say When

When you listen to or read the information about debarkation, you'll soon discover that by mid-morning everyone is expected to be off the ship so that the crew can welcome aboard the new set of passengers.  There is a lot of activity that happens to make this possible.

WHEN TO LEAVE

You may not realize it, but your departure time was determined by you when you booked your trip and made travel arrangements.

How's that you ask?   When you picked your return flights, or made other arrangements for your return home, you determined the time that you needed to be off the ship in order to make your flight on time.   Upon leaving the ship you'll need to collect your bags, process through Customs, and board a taxi, shuttle bus, or other means of transportation to your departure destination (airport, bus, train station, rental car etc.).

How much time do you need?

There are a lot of variances in terms of when the cruise line calls your luggage group and when you are outside with bags in hands.   It may take some time to catch an elevator and actually get to the disembarkation point on the ship.  Once through there, it's usually a walk along a ramp, down the escalator or elevator to the lower level, where you'll find your baggage sorted by color tag.  There are porters to assist you in finding your bags and getting you through Customs.

In most cases, the pier isn't far from the airport, so you may have about 30 minutes to an hour for transfer time from pier to airport.  There are several ways to get to the airport, but for now, let's just assume you need to factor in some travel time.    Since you will be checking bags, and there will be several hundred or more of you arriving at the airport at the same time, you'll need at least 1.5 to 2 hours for checking in and clearing airport security.

The rule of thumb is that for flights before noon, you'll want to be in one of the first groups off the ship but for later flights you can take your time.

Key Take-A-Ways

• When booking your return flights, be sure to factor in the time it will take to disembark and travel to the airport
• Ask your travel professional for guidance before making arrangements
•  It is best to book flights later in the day to avoid having to rush - why add stress to your vacation after you have finally started to relax
• Be sure to attend any information talks and/or read and follow printed instructions

In Part 2, we'll talk more about preparation the night before debarkation as well as what to expect in the morning.

Back Home from Mediterranean

Terminal 5 Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

End of Mediterranean Cruise Vacation
Home Sweet Home

We are now back from our 12-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Rome to Venice.  We have lots of information and pictures to share with our readers.  This was a fabulous cruise vacation and one that we would highly recommend to our readers that have any interest at all in the region and its history.

When we last posted, we had just arrived in Rome. It is hard to believe that the 15 days have gone by already.   Our initial intentions were to post some pictures along the way to keep you updated on our progress through the cruise, but uploading pictures was too slow on the ship-based internet connections and this became impractical.   In addition, we had very little down time as we took full advantage of our time in each port and did take some time to relax, which is a must.

Long Return Trip

We will detail our return trip saga so that it will help you plan your flight times.  You need to allow sufficient time if you are connecting and also be sure to allow enough time for check-in at the airport in Rome.

Our return day started really early, 5:30 AM, as we got ready for a 6:30 AM taxi ride to Rome's Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) from our post-cruise hotel, Hotel Giardino, which was located nearby the Trevi Fountain.  The cost for four of us to the airport was 45 € which we rounded to 50 € to include a tip (due to all the luggage we had).  It was less than a 30 minute ride from the hotel to the airport on this early Sunday morning.

Our traveling companions were leaving about an hour earlier than us out of Terminal 3, while our flight was leaving from Terminal 5.   We knew there was a shuttle bus between the two terminals, so we took the taxi to their terminal.    After saying our good-byes, we walked to the shuttle bus which took us the remaining 800m to the other terminal.

You will want to allow 2-3 hours for an international flight, even though you probably won't need that much time.   Security is quite different at international locations than we are used to in the states.   The one big difference in Rome was the need to put electronic gadgets (cameras, laptops, cell phones, iPods, games - anything with a battery) in plastic bags that are provided when you first show your passport at the airport.

At FCO, from the initial passport control desk, you  then proceed to the airline ticket counter to check your luggage and get your boarding passes.   After that, it's off to the security screening just like other airports, but as already mentioned, the electronic gadgets go into the plastic bags and need to be put in plastic bins for scanning separately from other items.

Next stop is passport control which is a breeze, at least it was for us.    This process took us less than an hour, so we had plenty of time to kill before our flight.    There was very little seating in Terminal 5, and the seats were anything but comfortable.    We decided to get some refreshments before camping out on the metal chairs for the duration.   

To make a long story shorter, time for boarding finally arrived and we lined up for our turn based on class of service and seating areas.    Since we had Premier status with UAL, we were one of the earlier groups called.   Once again, our boarding passes and passports needed to be checked and some passengers were screened.   

We then took an escalator downstairs where we boarded a bus that took us on the tarmac to the waiting Boeing 777 airplane.    Lugging our luggage up the stairs, we finally were on the plane.   (I make this point so that you don't have too much hand baggage if you aren't able to handle carrying it up stairs).

The flight from FCO to IAD was uneventful, with it taking off on time and arriving on schedule in Washington, DC. (Dulles Airport).    After deplaning, we arrived in the customs hall where we lined up in a maze to be welcomed back to the USA.   There were at least 10 international flights arriving at the same time, so the hall was quite full.

Getting our stamp of approval, we then headed to baggage claim, through the final customs check point, baggage recheck, and then into yet another long line to wait for security screening for our next flight.   One German passenger was wondering how many more security checks would be needed.  We assured him we were almost done at that point.

This was the usual process we were used to, except that the lines were much longer.   People were getting worried as their flights were about to take off, some within minutes.   People were helpful, allowing those with little time to cut in line.   I think that even surprised the TSA agents, who said if we didn't mind, it was fine with them.  

This whole process took 1.5 hours from the time our plane landed until we got to our connecting gate.   Take this into consideration when booking your connecting flights.

Our day was about to get interesting as a thunderstorm rolled through and forced a ground stop on flights.  That might have been the saving grace for some of the passengers in line with us that had short connections.

As luck would have it, our plane also had mechanical issues that had to be sorted out, so we started a creeping delay after the storm passed by and the ground crews were allowed to continue working on planes.    After we boarded, another issue with a seat  caused a further delay.   The final  delay was caused by the lack of ground personnel to push back our jumbo jet resulting in a total delay time of almost 3.5 hours.    

Now that you've heard the beginning and ending of our trip, be sure to come back for everything in the middle.   We'll post pictures for our Facebook fans, so be sure to visit our page there.   All in all, this was a great vacation.   If you want relaxation, you need to make an effort to fit that in the schedule, as it is easily possible to fill every minute of every day between touring in ports and activities on the ship.

Additional photos can be found on our Facebook Albums.




Click on the image to the left for more Blog posts about this trip.

Connect With Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Cruise Line Industry Enhanced Screening Guidelines

I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the enhanced screening guidelines the cruise industry is beginning to implement to continue ensuring the healthiest environment for all cruise passengers. It is important for you to know that the cruise industry is taking these proactive steps out of an abundance of caution to identify, isolate and treat any suspect cases as appropriate.

Under new CLIA member cruise line health screening procedures, All passengers scheduled to board CLIA member line cruise ships will be required to complete the new public health questionnaire prior to boarding at any port. Under the enhanced screening protocols, CLIA member lines will perform a secondary screening if a passenger reports on the questionnaire flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat, or contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case. Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case by case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for swine flu as defined by CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm). All other passengers will be permitted to travel.

If you have questions about these procedures, contact your cruise specialist or the cruise line.

Further information on travel and the swine flu can be found on the CDC Web site at: www.cdc.gov/swineflu. CLIA will continue updating its communications as necessary and I will keep you apprised of any significant developments.

The cruise industry always takes your safety and health seriously, so I am confident that with passenger cooperation, you will be assured of a safe and healthy cruise vacation during these difficult times.

As I have said many times in this column, I stronly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. I offer my customers a customized Travel Guard policy which provides emergency assistance amongst the other benefits. Travel Guard has announced that it is Offering Free Assistance and Information on Swine Flu to U.S. and Canadian travelers affected by or concerned with the recent Swine Flu outbreak. They have the most up-to-date information for travelers seeking travel status updates, health warnings, prevention and treatment tips.