Security TIPS for Stress-free Cruising
Travel Safety Tips
Following are travel tips to help make the most of any vacation. We recommend that you print a copy of this list as a reminder to make safety your No. 1 priority. And keep a printed copy of your domestic or international travel insurance plan with it—just in case.
Check the status of your flight. Most airlines want you to check in at least an hour (two hours for international flights) before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Allow plenty of extra time at the airport (generally 2 hours prior to departure). New security procedures have increased the time needed to check-in. Build in more time if traveling with young children, infants or people with disabilities.
Check with your airline to see if curbside check-in is available.
FAA guidelines now allow travelers only one carry-on item plus one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or small book bag-style backpack. Other personal items allowed include coats, child safety seats, diaper bags, books or newspapers, small bags of food and assistance devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen. These carry-on allowances vary from carrier to carrier. Please confirm what is allowed with your carrier before leaving home.
Travel Safety Tips at the Airport:
Keep your bags and personal belongings within reach at all times.
Do not accept packages from strangers.
Do not joke about having a bomb or firearm. Do not discuss terrorism, weapons, explosives, or other threats while going through the security checkpoint. Security personnel are trained to consider the slightest mention of these topics as a serious threat.
Checking In and Security Checkpoint:
Adult passengers are required to bring a government-issued photo ID. If a government-issued ID is not available, bring two pieces of ID, one of which must be from a governmental authority.
Remember, only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the security checkpoint. Be prepared to show identification at the ticket counter, security checkpoint and before boarding the plane.
Electronic items such as laptop computers and cell phones may be subject to additional screening. Be prepared to power on electronic items for screening personnel. Also, be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so it can be X-rayed separately.
International Travel Tips
In the event of a riot or civil unrest, go to your hotel and call the consulate and your airline. Do not go to the airport without a confirmed ticket or assurance that it is safe.
Tip: Call CSA's designated assistance provider toll-free at (866) 922-0278 in the United States or collect at (202) 974-6480 from anywhere else in the world for assistance and directions.
International law requires that the American consulate (U.S. Interests Section, if no consulate) be notified if you are arrested or detained. You are entitled to a timely visit by a consular officer. They will notify family, get money transferred, and ensure you receive fair treatment.
Tip: Call CSA's designated assistance provider toll-free at (866) 922-0278 in the United States or collect at (202) 974-6480 from anywhere else in the world for legal referrals and for help in sending messages to your family.
Lost passport: Call local police and the consulate. Temporary passports are available.
Tip: Call CSA's designated assistance provider toll-free at (866) 922-0278 in the United States or collect at (202) 974-6480 from anywhere else in the world—they can help! Also, pack a photocopy of your passport separately from the original and carry an additional passport picture. This will expedite the replacement process if the original passport is lost or stolen.
General Security Tips:
Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, don't become a victim.
Do not carry large quantities of cash. Traveler's checks provide personal security and can be replaced.
Do not carry jewelry, wallets, or purses—wear a non-visible money belt. Transfer money from your money belt to pockets in your hotel room or in a bathroom.
Use your dress and appearance to blend in with the crowd. Take the time to research local dress codes, so as not to stand out.
Once you have arrived, keep your airline tickets in a separate, secure location from your passport. Also, remember your credit card number is on your airline ticket!
When traveling to a foreign country, always carry the required travel documents such as your passport, visa and tourist cards.
Be aware of local scam artists; always assume you are being watched.
Always inform others of your plans (family, consulate/embassy).
If mugged, cooperate with the assailant and voice your willingess to comply by saying, "You can have anything you want. Do you want me to get it or do you want to get it?" Avoid eye contact. Keep $25-$100 in your pocket as insurance. If hostile, offer additional money or possessions that the robber may have overlooked.
Keep your camera hidden until you are ready to use it. Use tote bags instead of camera bags. Do not hang your camera around your neck.
Avoid viewing maps in wide-open spaces.
Leave copies of all your information (credit cards, passport numbers, travelers checks, air tickets) with family or friends at home.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Do not take shortcuts. Stay on well-traveled streets.
Avoid demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. Seek immediate shelter in hotels, restaurants, police stations, etc.
Withdraw money from ATMs only during daylight hours, preferably in banks or hotels.
Never leave valuables in plain view in your car. Lock items in your trunk before reaching your destination.
Make your hotel stay safer
Take hotel room keys with you to the pool or spa.
Find out in advance if there is on-site security.
Verify that window and door locks are secure.
Place valuables in a safe and get a receipt. Check the hotel's insurance liability limit.
Be careful of exits and elevators on your way to the room. If you are alone late at night, ask for an escort. Be suspicious of anyone loitering around the lobby.
Close your door tightly when entering or leaving your room.
Do not place ski or dive gear on the balcony.
List calls made, received, and their times, even unanswered calls.
Leave the radio, TV, and/or lights on, with the Do Not Disturb sign out.
Wedge the bathroom door while showering.
Be prepared in case of fire
Familiarize yourself with all general and emergency exits.
(If you can), extinguish fire or pull fire alarm.
Phone the fire department before calling the front desk.
Stay low, turn off air conditioning, get room key, check the door for heat with the back of your hand before opening.
Put wet towels under door and in vents to keep smoke out of your room.
Fill tub, sink and wastebaskets with water to re-wet towels and cool hot walls.
Remove curtains. Crack open window.
Put a wet towel over mouth and nose.
posted by Dixieland Cruisers at 9:35 PM
0 comments
Following are travel tips to help make the most of any vacation. We recommend that you print a copy of this list as a reminder to make safety your No. 1 priority. And keep a printed copy of your domestic or international travel insurance plan with it—just in case.
Check the status of your flight. Most airlines want you to check in at least an hour (two hours for international flights) before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Allow plenty of extra time at the airport (generally 2 hours prior to departure). New security procedures have increased the time needed to check-in. Build in more time if traveling with young children, infants or people with disabilities.
Check with your airline to see if curbside check-in is available.
FAA guidelines now allow travelers only one carry-on item plus one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or small book bag-style backpack. Other personal items allowed include coats, child safety seats, diaper bags, books or newspapers, small bags of food and assistance devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen. These carry-on allowances vary from carrier to carrier. Please confirm what is allowed with your carrier before leaving home.
Travel Safety Tips at the Airport:
Keep your bags and personal belongings within reach at all times.
Do not accept packages from strangers.
Do not joke about having a bomb or firearm. Do not discuss terrorism, weapons, explosives, or other threats while going through the security checkpoint. Security personnel are trained to consider the slightest mention of these topics as a serious threat.
Checking In and Security Checkpoint:
Adult passengers are required to bring a government-issued photo ID. If a government-issued ID is not available, bring two pieces of ID, one of which must be from a governmental authority.
Remember, only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the security checkpoint. Be prepared to show identification at the ticket counter, security checkpoint and before boarding the plane.
Electronic items such as laptop computers and cell phones may be subject to additional screening. Be prepared to power on electronic items for screening personnel. Also, be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so it can be X-rayed separately.
International Travel Tips
In the event of a riot or civil unrest, go to your hotel and call the consulate and your airline. Do not go to the airport without a confirmed ticket or assurance that it is safe.
Tip: Call CSA's designated assistance provider toll-free at (866) 922-0278 in the United States or collect at (202) 974-6480 from anywhere else in the world for assistance and directions.
International law requires that the American consulate (U.S. Interests Section, if no consulate) be notified if you are arrested or detained. You are entitled to a timely visit by a consular officer. They will notify family, get money transferred, and ensure you receive fair treatment.
Tip: Call CSA's designated assistance provider toll-free at (866) 922-0278 in the United States or collect at (202) 974-6480 from anywhere else in the world for legal referrals and for help in sending messages to your family.
Lost passport: Call local police and the consulate. Temporary passports are available.
Tip: Call CSA's designated assistance provider toll-free at (866) 922-0278 in the United States or collect at (202) 974-6480 from anywhere else in the world—they can help! Also, pack a photocopy of your passport separately from the original and carry an additional passport picture. This will expedite the replacement process if the original passport is lost or stolen.
General Security Tips:
Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, don't become a victim.
Do not carry large quantities of cash. Traveler's checks provide personal security and can be replaced.
Do not carry jewelry, wallets, or purses—wear a non-visible money belt. Transfer money from your money belt to pockets in your hotel room or in a bathroom.
Use your dress and appearance to blend in with the crowd. Take the time to research local dress codes, so as not to stand out.
Once you have arrived, keep your airline tickets in a separate, secure location from your passport. Also, remember your credit card number is on your airline ticket!
When traveling to a foreign country, always carry the required travel documents such as your passport, visa and tourist cards.
Be aware of local scam artists; always assume you are being watched.
Always inform others of your plans (family, consulate/embassy).
If mugged, cooperate with the assailant and voice your willingess to comply by saying, "You can have anything you want. Do you want me to get it or do you want to get it?" Avoid eye contact. Keep $25-$100 in your pocket as insurance. If hostile, offer additional money or possessions that the robber may have overlooked.
Keep your camera hidden until you are ready to use it. Use tote bags instead of camera bags. Do not hang your camera around your neck.
Avoid viewing maps in wide-open spaces.
Leave copies of all your information (credit cards, passport numbers, travelers checks, air tickets) with family or friends at home.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Do not take shortcuts. Stay on well-traveled streets.
Avoid demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. Seek immediate shelter in hotels, restaurants, police stations, etc.
Withdraw money from ATMs only during daylight hours, preferably in banks or hotels.
Never leave valuables in plain view in your car. Lock items in your trunk before reaching your destination.
Make your hotel stay safer
Take hotel room keys with you to the pool or spa.
Find out in advance if there is on-site security.
Verify that window and door locks are secure.
Place valuables in a safe and get a receipt. Check the hotel's insurance liability limit.
Be careful of exits and elevators on your way to the room. If you are alone late at night, ask for an escort. Be suspicious of anyone loitering around the lobby.
Close your door tightly when entering or leaving your room.
Do not place ski or dive gear on the balcony.
List calls made, received, and their times, even unanswered calls.
Leave the radio, TV, and/or lights on, with the Do Not Disturb sign out.
Wedge the bathroom door while showering.
Be prepared in case of fire
Familiarize yourself with all general and emergency exits.
(If you can), extinguish fire or pull fire alarm.
Phone the fire department before calling the front desk.
Stay low, turn off air conditioning, get room key, check the door for heat with the back of your hand before opening.
Put wet towels under door and in vents to keep smoke out of your room.
Fill tub, sink and wastebaskets with water to re-wet towels and cool hot walls.
Remove curtains. Crack open window.
Put a wet towel over mouth and nose.
Labels: travel tips
posted by Dixieland Cruisers at 9:35 PM
0 comments
Dining TIPS on Cruise SHIPS
There are many cruise ships now that have Freestyle Dining (Norwegian Cruises) or Choice Dining (Prince Cruise line) available. Or on Disney Cruise Lines they have what is called “Rotational Dining”. They have you and your table mates rotate through the three restaurants each evening.
CRUISE TIPS: There is usually open seating for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurous with the menu because if you don't like something you can send it back for a replacement. And if they have two things on the menu that you like ask for both of them. My husband, John, always orders the Filet Mignon and the Lobster Tail when they are served on the same night. Many times he tells the waiter to bring what the waiter recommends for that evening.
This means you don't have to choose first or second seating. (First seating is 6:00 to 6:30 and Second seating is usually 8:00-8:30 ). There can be more than one restaurant where you just walk in when you are ready to dine. Every ship will ask for your dining preference when you book your cruise. You can indicate first, second or flexible dining, whichever will make you more comfortable. The newer ships have a 24 hour dining spot which is always casual so if you don't want to do the formal nights you don't have to, although I find dressing up to be quite fun.
You will have many options for each meal. You may have any meal delivered to your room, taken in the buffet restaurant or in the dining room. There is usually outdoor dining around the pool with hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza, salads, even Tacos.
There are also alternative dining rooms available on some ships that require an additional fee but the service and food are generally 4 to 5 star and worth it if you want to splurge.
In my experience families with young children and people who go to bed early usually dine in first seating. But if you don't want to be on a schedule or want to meet new people every night, go for the alternative dining option. Of course you can always ask for a table for two, but be aware that there are only a few of them.
If you make a special request one night, John always asks for blue cheese, your waiter will bring it every night. They pride themselves on remembering your tastes. (This only happens when you choose traditional dining). On one cruise we asked for Melba toast, and you bet, every night we had Melba toast. There is one thing I always make clear to the waiter. I am not a big eater but I like to taste everything. I tell this to them the first night so they don't think I am unhappy with the food. It is their job to keep you happy and they take it very seriously.
If you don't want to eat in the main dining room almost all ships have a Lido café where it is casual but you order from a menu and are served by a waiter. It's one of the many choices if you don't want to participate in a formal night or if you just want to eat by yourselves. On Carnival's single cruises they encourage this style of dining so the singles can meet more people. There are exceptions to this but not many. On some of the newer ships, the Lido is open 24 hours a day.
On most of the cruise lines they offer the food of the region that you are visiting. While on Hawaiian cruises expect to be served Hawaiian food. When on an Alaskan cruise you will be given the choices of salmon and Alaskan king crab legs. It makes more fun to dine on the local cuisine.
All of the cruise lines offer healthy alternative menus or what they call spa menus. So if you want low-fat, low-salt, low cholesterol, vegetarian or any other type of diet, they are available. It is best however to inform your travel agent of any special needs so they can notify the cruise line ahead of time. If you have special dietary needs make sure the cruise lines knows before hand. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises cater to food allergy, Kosher, Indian, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diets.
To be really safe read all of the cruise reviews and cruise critics sites for each ships food and service ratings.
Happy Cruising, enjoy it, we do!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
Article Source : http://www.articlecube.com
posted by Dixieland Cruisers at 9:32 PM
0 comments
CRUISE TIPS: There is usually open seating for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurous with the menu because if you don't like something you can send it back for a replacement. And if they have two things on the menu that you like ask for both of them. My husband, John, always orders the Filet Mignon and the Lobster Tail when they are served on the same night. Many times he tells the waiter to bring what the waiter recommends for that evening.
This means you don't have to choose first or second seating. (First seating is 6:00 to 6:30 and Second seating is usually 8:00-8:30 ). There can be more than one restaurant where you just walk in when you are ready to dine. Every ship will ask for your dining preference when you book your cruise. You can indicate first, second or flexible dining, whichever will make you more comfortable. The newer ships have a 24 hour dining spot which is always casual so if you don't want to do the formal nights you don't have to, although I find dressing up to be quite fun.
You will have many options for each meal. You may have any meal delivered to your room, taken in the buffet restaurant or in the dining room. There is usually outdoor dining around the pool with hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza, salads, even Tacos.
There are also alternative dining rooms available on some ships that require an additional fee but the service and food are generally 4 to 5 star and worth it if you want to splurge.
In my experience families with young children and people who go to bed early usually dine in first seating. But if you don't want to be on a schedule or want to meet new people every night, go for the alternative dining option. Of course you can always ask for a table for two, but be aware that there are only a few of them.
If you make a special request one night, John always asks for blue cheese, your waiter will bring it every night. They pride themselves on remembering your tastes. (This only happens when you choose traditional dining). On one cruise we asked for Melba toast, and you bet, every night we had Melba toast. There is one thing I always make clear to the waiter. I am not a big eater but I like to taste everything. I tell this to them the first night so they don't think I am unhappy with the food. It is their job to keep you happy and they take it very seriously.
If you don't want to eat in the main dining room almost all ships have a Lido café where it is casual but you order from a menu and are served by a waiter. It's one of the many choices if you don't want to participate in a formal night or if you just want to eat by yourselves. On Carnival's single cruises they encourage this style of dining so the singles can meet more people. There are exceptions to this but not many. On some of the newer ships, the Lido is open 24 hours a day.
On most of the cruise lines they offer the food of the region that you are visiting. While on Hawaiian cruises expect to be served Hawaiian food. When on an Alaskan cruise you will be given the choices of salmon and Alaskan king crab legs. It makes more fun to dine on the local cuisine.
All of the cruise lines offer healthy alternative menus or what they call spa menus. So if you want low-fat, low-salt, low cholesterol, vegetarian or any other type of diet, they are available. It is best however to inform your travel agent of any special needs so they can notify the cruise line ahead of time. If you have special dietary needs make sure the cruise lines knows before hand. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises cater to food allergy, Kosher, Indian, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diets.
To be really safe read all of the cruise reviews and cruise critics sites for each ships food and service ratings.
Happy Cruising, enjoy it, we do!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
Article Source : http://www.articlecube.com
Labels: travel tips
posted by Dixieland Cruisers at 9:32 PM
0 comments
