Sometimes lost in the brouhaha over the passport rules that went into effect in January 2007 is the fact that the requirements only apply to travel via air. That means that, at least through June 1, 2009, travelers can continue to cruise to the Caribbean out of U.S. ports without needing a passport. The exemption applies whether you are cruising out of Florida, elsewhere in the U.S. mainland, or Puerto Rico. Remember that the passport rules apply to reentry to the U.S. only; most Caribbean countries will still admit Americans carrying only a birth certificate and driver's license or other primary ID. (Bermuda and Barbados are two of the exceptions - you need a passport there.)
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 (available in spring 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.
PLEASE REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE TAKING A CRUISE AND MUST FLY HOME FROM A CARIBBEAN ISLAND, YOU MAY NOT BE LET BACK INTO THE US WITHOUT A VALID PASSPORT. I CAN ONLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS, BUT MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO GET A PASSPORT NOW.
Friday, June 13, 2008
More Airline Fees
First American, and now US Airways. This is likely to be followed by the rest of the airlines shortly.
This is the announcement from US Airways:
Announcing changes to the way we do business
It's no secret that the airline business is facing difficulties of unprecedented proportions; and 'unfortunately
US Airways is no exception. Surviving high oil prices is going to require some substantial changes to the way the industry is run. Today, we announced a series of changes designed to prepare our airline for these new ways of doing business.
Specifically, we announced changes to domestic capacity, the Dividend Miles program and our overall business model. We're transforming our business by initiating a 'pay-for-what-you-use' model for items like baggage and beverages. We're also making changes to the Dividend Miles program that you should know about.
As part of our transformation, we will:
Introduce a first checked bag fee of $15*
Introduce a new in-flight 'pay-for-what-you-use' program*
Amend the Dividend Miles frequent flyer program
We'll also reduce 4th quarter domestic capacity by six to eight percent on a year-over-year basis, return ten mainline aircraft in 2008 and 2009, cancel the leases of two A330 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2009 and work to defer additional deliveries in 2009 and 2010.
Please check the airline's website for the most up to date "fee structure" before booking a flight.
This is the announcement from US Airways:
Announcing changes to the way we do business
It's no secret that the airline business is facing difficulties of unprecedented proportions; and 'unfortunately
US Airways is no exception. Surviving high oil prices is going to require some substantial changes to the way the industry is run. Today, we announced a series of changes designed to prepare our airline for these new ways of doing business.
Specifically, we announced changes to domestic capacity, the Dividend Miles program and our overall business model. We're transforming our business by initiating a 'pay-for-what-you-use' model for items like baggage and beverages. We're also making changes to the Dividend Miles program that you should know about.
As part of our transformation, we will:
Introduce a first checked bag fee of $15*
Introduce a new in-flight 'pay-for-what-you-use' program*
Amend the Dividend Miles frequent flyer program
We'll also reduce 4th quarter domestic capacity by six to eight percent on a year-over-year basis, return ten mainline aircraft in 2008 and 2009, cancel the leases of two A330 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2009 and work to defer additional deliveries in 2009 and 2010.
Please check the airline's website for the most up to date "fee structure" before booking a flight.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Carnival to bring the Pride to Baltimore year round
With the cost of airfare going up and flights being cancelled, I would hope that more of the cruise lines follow suit by bringing more ships to cruise ports closer to home- just as they did after 9/11.
Carnival announced that the Carnival Pride will be doing 7 nite sailings year round from Baltimore starting in September 2009. There are 2 different itineraries, Florida and the Bahamas as well as Turks and Caicos, Nassau and Freeport.
Baltimore is an easy drive from the NY metro region as well as Pennsylvania down to the Carolinas and is bound to be a popular option for those who don't want to fly down to Florida to get on a cruise ship.
We are hoping that this is the wave of the future.
Carnival announced that the Carnival Pride will be doing 7 nite sailings year round from Baltimore starting in September 2009. There are 2 different itineraries, Florida and the Bahamas as well as Turks and Caicos, Nassau and Freeport.
Baltimore is an easy drive from the NY metro region as well as Pennsylvania down to the Carolinas and is bound to be a popular option for those who don't want to fly down to Florida to get on a cruise ship.
We are hoping that this is the wave of the future.
Fuel Surcharges go up again
Rather than bombarding you with more news about fuel surcharges on the rise, please know that all of the Carnival brand (Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Costa, Cunard and Seaborn) have raised their fuel surcharge as well as Norwegian Cruise Line. I truly expect other cruise lines to follow suit shortly.
This is nothing that we, as travel agents, have any control over. These are additional charges that go directly into the cruise lines' pocket. Yes, we understand that you feel that they are excessive- we would just prefer that the cruise lines raise their prices to incorporate the fuel surcharge but instead they would rather hook guests in with the lower cruise rate and then shock you with all of the additional surcharges and fees.
When you see a price on the internet and I quote you a price of well over $100 more per person, please note that fuel surcharges of up to $11 per person per day and the government taxes and fees are never advertised in rates online.
If you are looking to book a cruise for later this year or next year, please do so NOW. You will only pay the current fuel surcharge not the new and inflated one. The Carnival brand of ships' new surcharge goes into effect 7/12, with NCL'n new charge going into effect on 7/20.
This is nothing that we, as travel agents, have any control over. These are additional charges that go directly into the cruise lines' pocket. Yes, we understand that you feel that they are excessive- we would just prefer that the cruise lines raise their prices to incorporate the fuel surcharge but instead they would rather hook guests in with the lower cruise rate and then shock you with all of the additional surcharges and fees.
When you see a price on the internet and I quote you a price of well over $100 more per person, please note that fuel surcharges of up to $11 per person per day and the government taxes and fees are never advertised in rates online.
If you are looking to book a cruise for later this year or next year, please do so NOW. You will only pay the current fuel surcharge not the new and inflated one. The Carnival brand of ships' new surcharge goes into effect 7/12, with NCL'n new charge going into effect on 7/20.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
New Dining Plans at the Atlantis Paradise Island
After being gone for a while, the Atlantis Paradise Island has announced a new dining plan available to guests. Here are the details:
Now you can enjoy all the wonder of Atlantis with three great dining plans offering full breakfast and dinner at some of our most popular restaurants.
Casual Dining Plan
$49.00 per day per Adult
$25.00 per day per *Child 7-11 years old
Full American breakfast at Water’s Edge or Marketplace and dinner daily in Marketplace, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Water’s Edge or Bimini Road.
Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer or soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea and coffee at a la carte restaurants.
Gourmet Dining Plan
$69.00 per day per Adult
$35.00 per day per *Child 7-11 years old
A choice of full American or continental breakfast daily at Marketplace, Plato’s, Murray’s Delicatessen, Coral Towers Lounge, Water’s Edge, Voyager’s, Seaglass* or Mosaic* and dinner daily in Marketplace, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Atlas Bar & Grill, Murray’s Delicatessen, Marina Pizzeria, Carmines, Bimini Road, Water’s Edge, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo, Chop Stix, Voyager’s or Mosaic*.
Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer; soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea and coffee at a la carte restaurants.
Cove Gourmet Dining Plan+
Available to Cove & Reef guests only
$94.00 per day per Adult
$35.00 per day per *Child 7-11 years old
A choice of full American or continental breakfast daily at Seaglass*, Mosaic*, Marketplace, Plato’s, Murray’s Delicatessen, Coral Towers Lounge, Water’s Edge or Voyager’s and dinner daily in Mesa Grill*, Mosaic*, Marketplace, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Atlas Bar & Grill, Murray’s Delicatessen, Marina Pizzeria, Carmines, Bimini Road, Water’s Edge, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo, Chop Stix or Voyager’s.
Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer; soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea and coffee at a la carte restaurants.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Dining plans, rates and features are effective from May 4 through December 18, 2008, and are subject to change without notice.
The Casual Dining Plan (CDP) and Gourmet Dining Plan (GDP) are available to guests staying in the Beach Tower, Coral Towers and Royal Towers at Atlantis as well as Harborside Resort at Atlantis.
The Cove/Reef Gourmet Dining Plan (CGP) is available exclusively for guests staying at The Cove Atlantis and The Reef Atlantis.
Due to high demand, the CGP, GDP and CDP plans should be booked a minimum of 3 days prior to arrival.
The 15% mandatory gratuity is not included in the price of either dining plan and will be automatically charged based on the actual dining check for each meal, not the cost of the plan.
Children 6 years old and under eat free when dining with parents who are participating in a dining plan. They must select from the children’s menu in those restaurants that offer them.
Children 7-11 years are required to purchase a child’s dining plan. They must select from the children’s menu in restaurants that offer them. Should children 7-11 choose to order from the full menu, they will be charged at full retail prices.
Special children’s menus will be provided in Café at The Great Hall of Waters, Atlas Bar & Grill, Murray’s Delicatessen, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo, Chop Stix and Bimini Road.
Children ages 6 and older are welcome at Mesa Grill and Casa d’Angelo.
Guests who choose to dine at Carmines while on the CGP or GDP will only be seated with other persons dining on a CDP or GDP plan.
Dining plans are available for a minimum of two nights and must be purchased for the entire length of stay. Plans begin with dinner on the day of a guest’s arrival and end with breakfast on their day of departure.
The value of unused meals will be non-refundable and may not be redeemed at non-participating restaurants.
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and juice are not included for dinner; juice is included for breakfast only.
All persons sharing a room (adults and children) must purchase the same dining plans. Guests 12 years and over are considered adults and are required to purchase the same dining plan as their parents therefore adult dining prices apply.
Dinner reservations are required for Mesa Grill, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo and Chop Stix; reservations are required at Carmines only if a party includes 6 or more persons. To avoid the $50.00 per person “no show” fee, reservations must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to actual dining time.
Please note that high chairs and booster seats are not available at Mesa Grill or Casa D’Angelo.
Restaurant hours of operation, openings, restaurants names, as well as participating restaurants in the dining plans, are subject to change without notice. Surcharges may apply to some menu items.
Dining plans are not applicable to groups.
Dining plan changes, revisions and cancellations need to be confirmed separately.
Dining attire guidelines exist for all restaurants.
Now you can enjoy all the wonder of Atlantis with three great dining plans offering full breakfast and dinner at some of our most popular restaurants.
Casual Dining Plan
$49.00 per day per Adult
$25.00 per day per *Child 7-11 years old
Full American breakfast at Water’s Edge or Marketplace and dinner daily in Marketplace, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Water’s Edge or Bimini Road.
Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer or soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea and coffee at a la carte restaurants.
Gourmet Dining Plan
$69.00 per day per Adult
$35.00 per day per *Child 7-11 years old
A choice of full American or continental breakfast daily at Marketplace, Plato’s, Murray’s Delicatessen, Coral Towers Lounge, Water’s Edge, Voyager’s, Seaglass* or Mosaic* and dinner daily in Marketplace, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Atlas Bar & Grill, Murray’s Delicatessen, Marina Pizzeria, Carmines, Bimini Road, Water’s Edge, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo, Chop Stix, Voyager’s or Mosaic*.
Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer; soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea and coffee at a la carte restaurants.
Cove Gourmet Dining Plan+
Available to Cove & Reef guests only
$94.00 per day per Adult
$35.00 per day per *Child 7-11 years old
A choice of full American or continental breakfast daily at Seaglass*, Mosaic*, Marketplace, Plato’s, Murray’s Delicatessen, Coral Towers Lounge, Water’s Edge or Voyager’s and dinner daily in Mesa Grill*, Mosaic*, Marketplace, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Atlas Bar & Grill, Murray’s Delicatessen, Marina Pizzeria, Carmines, Bimini Road, Water’s Edge, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo, Chop Stix or Voyager’s.
Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer; soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea and coffee at a la carte restaurants.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Dining plans, rates and features are effective from May 4 through December 18, 2008, and are subject to change without notice.
The Casual Dining Plan (CDP) and Gourmet Dining Plan (GDP) are available to guests staying in the Beach Tower, Coral Towers and Royal Towers at Atlantis as well as Harborside Resort at Atlantis.
The Cove/Reef Gourmet Dining Plan (CGP) is available exclusively for guests staying at The Cove Atlantis and The Reef Atlantis.
Due to high demand, the CGP, GDP and CDP plans should be booked a minimum of 3 days prior to arrival.
The 15% mandatory gratuity is not included in the price of either dining plan and will be automatically charged based on the actual dining check for each meal, not the cost of the plan.
Children 6 years old and under eat free when dining with parents who are participating in a dining plan. They must select from the children’s menu in those restaurants that offer them.
Children 7-11 years are required to purchase a child’s dining plan. They must select from the children’s menu in restaurants that offer them. Should children 7-11 choose to order from the full menu, they will be charged at full retail prices.
Special children’s menus will be provided in Café at The Great Hall of Waters, Atlas Bar & Grill, Murray’s Delicatessen, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo, Chop Stix and Bimini Road.
Children ages 6 and older are welcome at Mesa Grill and Casa d’Angelo.
Guests who choose to dine at Carmines while on the CGP or GDP will only be seated with other persons dining on a CDP or GDP plan.
Dining plans are available for a minimum of two nights and must be purchased for the entire length of stay. Plans begin with dinner on the day of a guest’s arrival and end with breakfast on their day of departure.
The value of unused meals will be non-refundable and may not be redeemed at non-participating restaurants.
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and juice are not included for dinner; juice is included for breakfast only.
All persons sharing a room (adults and children) must purchase the same dining plans. Guests 12 years and over are considered adults and are required to purchase the same dining plan as their parents therefore adult dining prices apply.
Dinner reservations are required for Mesa Grill, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Bahamian Club, Casa d’Angelo and Chop Stix; reservations are required at Carmines only if a party includes 6 or more persons. To avoid the $50.00 per person “no show” fee, reservations must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to actual dining time.
Please note that high chairs and booster seats are not available at Mesa Grill or Casa D’Angelo.
Restaurant hours of operation, openings, restaurants names, as well as participating restaurants in the dining plans, are subject to change without notice. Surcharges may apply to some menu items.
Dining plans are not applicable to groups.
Dining plan changes, revisions and cancellations need to be confirmed separately.
Dining attire guidelines exist for all restaurants.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Why should you take a vacation?
Did you know that:
1. On a scale of 1 to 5, travelers rate their overall health 1 full point higher while on vacation.
2. Travelers say they get three times more deep sleep and sleep almost 20 minutes longer after their vacation.
3. Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one's life as a whole, family, economic situation, and health.
4. An annual vacation can cut a person's risk of heart attack by 50 percent!
5. Women who take more vacations are more satisfied with their marriages.
6. More than half of employed Americans say they come back feeling reconnected with their family after vacation.
7. Three out of four executives believe that vacations are necessary for them to prevent burnout or that vacations improve their personal job performance.
8. Travelers experience a 25 percent increase in performance on vigilance tests after returning from vacation – travelers 45 or older show a 50 percent increase in performance.
9. Two out of three executives believe that vacations improve their creativity.
Gentlemen- # 5 alone should be a reason to take your wife away on a vacation!
If you are suffering from Vacation Deficit Disorder--- call me. I can help!
1. On a scale of 1 to 5, travelers rate their overall health 1 full point higher while on vacation.
2. Travelers say they get three times more deep sleep and sleep almost 20 minutes longer after their vacation.
3. Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one's life as a whole, family, economic situation, and health.
4. An annual vacation can cut a person's risk of heart attack by 50 percent!
5. Women who take more vacations are more satisfied with their marriages.
6. More than half of employed Americans say they come back feeling reconnected with their family after vacation.
7. Three out of four executives believe that vacations are necessary for them to prevent burnout or that vacations improve their personal job performance.
8. Travelers experience a 25 percent increase in performance on vigilance tests after returning from vacation – travelers 45 or older show a 50 percent increase in performance.
9. Two out of three executives believe that vacations improve their creativity.
Gentlemen- # 5 alone should be a reason to take your wife away on a vacation!
If you are suffering from Vacation Deficit Disorder--- call me. I can help!
Friday, May 9, 2008
New Airline Fees
New airline fees since January 1, 2008:
Air Canada: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15. i
ArTran: $10 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon: $15 to book flights through reservation agents or airport sales desk starting May 21.
American Airlines: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 12; $3 for snacks, $5 for "fresh light meals" on domestic flights (sandwiches or wraps, no vegetarian options); eliminated online booking bonus of 500 miles for round-trip first- or business-class tickets, and 250 miles for round-trip coach fares.
Continental: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5.
Delta: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5; airline provides complimentary snacks, but some snacks and meals cost an extra $1 to $8, depending on the item.
JetBlue: $10 for extra legroom, and $20 each way for a second checked bag starting June 1.
Northwest: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5.
Spirit: $10 fee for checked luggage reserved online, and a $20 fee for luggage checked at the airport.
Southwest: $25 each way for a third checked bag, and $50 for the fourth through ninth bags.
United: $25 each way for a second checked bag; $5 for snack boxes, with sandwiches and salads available at varying prices; increased ticket change fee; Saturday night stays are now required for tickets in 65 percent of the markets it serves.
US Airways: $25 each way for a second checked bag; eliminated the 500-mile minimum mileage award granted for short-haul flights; will charge between $5 and $30 each way for aisle and window seats starting May 7, matching other carriers.
Virgin America: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15.
Always check with the airline for the most up to date info.
Air Canada: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15. i
ArTran: $10 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon: $15 to book flights through reservation agents or airport sales desk starting May 21.
American Airlines: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 12; $3 for snacks, $5 for "fresh light meals" on domestic flights (sandwiches or wraps, no vegetarian options); eliminated online booking bonus of 500 miles for round-trip first- or business-class tickets, and 250 miles for round-trip coach fares.
Continental: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5.
Delta: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5; airline provides complimentary snacks, but some snacks and meals cost an extra $1 to $8, depending on the item.
JetBlue: $10 for extra legroom, and $20 each way for a second checked bag starting June 1.
Northwest: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5.
Spirit: $10 fee for checked luggage reserved online, and a $20 fee for luggage checked at the airport.
Southwest: $25 each way for a third checked bag, and $50 for the fourth through ninth bags.
United: $25 each way for a second checked bag; $5 for snack boxes, with sandwiches and salads available at varying prices; increased ticket change fee; Saturday night stays are now required for tickets in 65 percent of the markets it serves.
US Airways: $25 each way for a second checked bag; eliminated the 500-mile minimum mileage award granted for short-haul flights; will charge between $5 and $30 each way for aisle and window seats starting May 7, matching other carriers.
Virgin America: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15.
Always check with the airline for the most up to date info.
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