smart money cruises ~ the scoop

More and more, cruising is becoming music to our ears.

Whether you’re into Christian Music, Smooth Jazz, Country, Rock and Roll or any of the numerous musical choices, there’s something for everyone on today’s cruise ships.

Coming up soon, November 2-9, 2008, famous saxophonist Dave Koz kicks off his annual Smooth Jazz cruise with a 7-day voyage through the Caribbean. (Take note some of the originally scheduled ports-of-call have changed due to recent hurricane damage.) It’s called Dave Koz and Friends at Sea and there are still a few cabins available on Holland America’s Westerdam. I enjoyed listening to the popular musician when he previously co-hosted the morning show on KTWV Radio in Los Angeles with the delightful Pat Prescott.

If you can’t make it in November, the first ever Playboy Jazz Cruise hosts some very impressive artists this coming January. They include Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Poncho Sanchez and many others. This is also a 7-day Caribbean sailing and runs from January 25 - February 1, 2009 on the same ship, Holland America’s Westerdam.

Here’s an interesting thought with this voyage. It returns to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Superbowl Sunday, February 1. The 2009 Superbowl is being held in Tampa, Florida that same Sunday, which isn’t that far from Ft. Lauderdale. It takes about an hour to fly, or three to four hours to drive. At last check the one-way airfare on Southwest was running anywhere from $70 to $170. I’m just throwing this out there because for me, it would be a great way to help cure the post-vacation blues. As most of us know, the toughest part of a vacation is the close of it. With something like this to look forward to, it would help ease the transition coming home. As I said, just a thought.

The same company organizing the above two cruises is also putting together a Smooth Jazz cruise that runs the week prior to the Playboy cruise. This one is from January 18-25, 2009 and offers a backstage pass to the sounds of Wayman Tisdale, Peabo Bryson, Kirk Whalum among many other top jazz musicians. It’s also on Holland America’s Westerdam.

By the way, these three cruises are fully chartered cruises. What that means is the entire ship focuses on the featured jazz artists and jazz-related events. It’s not just one corner of the ship that highlights music. So if you’re a jazz fan, this is a great way to indulge your passion. If you’re not a jazz fan, I’d check out some other music cruise options. There are many music cruises available. Country, Christian, Rock and Roll, Irish, Big Band, 50’s and 60’s, just to name a few.

If you’d like to find out about other music theme cruises scheduled on the various cruise ships, check out my theme cruise information website.  The home page is www.smartmoneycruises.com   or you can click on http://www.smartmoneycruises.com/new_page-MUSIC%20INDEX%20PAGE.htm and you’ll be able to link to several music cruises. Music is just one of more than 50 themes listed on my cruise website.

Happy Travels!

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You’ve likely seen somebody crinkle their face when the subject of cruising comes up.  They exclaim, “I’LL NEVER TAKE A CRUISE!”  Well, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, here are 12 reasons why you shouldn’t try to change their mind.  Just have them read our thoughts:      

1. Wouldn’t want you to be forced to eat whatever you want, whenever you want or take away the pleasure of grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning.
2. Easy to get bored when you’re not interested in shopping, poolside service, gambling, ice skating, rock climbing, golf, wine tasting, theme workshops, movies, Broadway-style shows, chocolate buffets and all the other boring stuff on cruise ships.
3. Not into rejuvenating your body with facials, spa treatments, couples massages, whirlpools, decadent rose petal and chocolate therapy, hairstyling, relaxing hand and foot treatments. You can wash your own hair and do your own nails.
4. Might get dizzy from too many decisions like choosing filet mignon in a specialty restaurant or lobster in the dining room…the lounge for a quiet drink or the main showroom for comedy…a facial in the spa or a book on the balcony…blackjack in the casino or a game in the sports bar…
5. Don’t want to deny you the pleasure of peeling off those wads of cash every time you eat, order a beverage, get advice from the concierge, get assistance from the bell desk. Might get a cramp from signing for your shipboard purchases instead of paying for every expense individually.
6. Wouldn’t want to take away the pleasure of packing, unpacking and collecting all those cool soaps from your favorite roadside motel.
7. Could be too stressful deciding which worldwide destination to cruise including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, Asia, Alaska, South America…
8. Easier to keep track of the kids when they’re under foot all the time like they are during a road trip. Who needs kids clubs!
9. Avoid headaches you might get when you’re forced to pick between blackjack, craps, slot machines, sports bars, bingo, poker or other adult entertainment aboard a floating Vegas.
10. Don’t want you to feel claustrophobic on a ship that holds 25-hundred passengers, weighs 90,000 tons, is several football fields in length, thousands of square feet in size and several stories tall.
11. Housekeeping and room service are completely overrated. Who needs someone in your room two to three times a day straightening your bed, freshening the bathroom, leaving chocolate on your pillow and forcing everyone to laugh at those silly towel animals.
12. With the captain in charge, wouldn’t want to deprive you of that family tradition of arguing over directions!
Take a cruise? You’re absolutely right. What were we thinking!

Happy Travels!

theme cruises, smart money cruises

A trip to Dubai in the Persian Gulf. It’s definitely on my wish list. Guess I’m just curious to see how an area (small by U.S. standards) is bursting at the seams with popularity and an ‘A’ list destination for the rich and famous.

Now Royal Caribbean Cruises is hoping to capitalize on some of that popularity as it announces plans to cruise from Dubai (in the United Arab Emirates) by offering itineraries on its 2,112-passenger Brilliance of the Seas.

I’ll have time plenty of time to google Dubai as the seven-night sailings will not start until 2010.  The six-year-old Brilliance is scheduled to sail the region from January to  April 2010. Itineraries for the new Dubai cruises will be announced in the coming weeks.

Like the Caribbean, the Persian Gulf offers consistent warm weather as well as shopping, beaches, water sports and cultural activities.

On a related note, the largest water themed attraction in the Middle East has just opened.  It’s part of Dubai’s new integrated resort, called The Palm.  The Atlantis, The Palm, is a luxury resort which is the sister hotel of the Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas.  The property includes a hotel with more than 1,500 rooms, beaches, an extensive marine habitat, shopping, dining and a water park you’d have to see to believe.

The water playground consists of rides with cascades, tidal waves and rapids, also water slides – two of which catapult riders through shark-filled lagoons. It also includes an expansive open-air marine habitat and underwater exhibit with a viewing panel looking right into the mystical ruins of Atlantis. There’s also a state-of-the-art dolphin education and conservation center allowing guests the opportunity to meet and interact with the dolphins. 

Picture this rising in Dubai from the coastline of the largest man-made island in the world, the Palm Jumeirah.  Once Royal Caribbean begins it’s Dubai itineraries, sounds like you better schedule some serious time to visit the region before and after your cruise!

Also, just to let you know, Emirates Airlines has just started non-stop service from Los Angeles to Dubai.  It’s a 16-hour flight across 8,000 miles.  Emirates Airlines is considered a favorite carrier among flyers.

Brillance of the Seas, by the way, currently sails many of Royal Caribbean’s popular Mediterranean cruise itineraries.  You might consider checking one of them out before heading to Dubai.

Happy Travels!

P.S.  If you’re interested in theme cruises, don’t forget to check out my site at www.smartmoneycruises.com

Also, you can read more about Dubai at this link offered by Royal Caribbean.

Dubai, Royal Caribbean, Cruises to Dubai, Dubai Cruises, Brilliance of the Seas, Mediterranean Cruise, Theme Cruises

When I called home during previous vacations, I used to charge a call from a pay phone to my home phone but that got to be way too expensive. So now I usually end up buying a pre-paid phone card at the last minute.  I’ve purchased several and they all seem to have different fees.  Seems like you have to be a rocket scientist these days to figure out how much you’re actually paying to use a pre-paid phone card.

So I’ve done some online research and studied a few companies.  Some of the websites are just too confusing.  The reason I chose Speedy Pin is because it seems like a fairly straight-forward website, easy to navigate, the rates seem fair compared to other companies and they don’t kill you with fees.

So I’m in the process of buying one of these cards and will report back shortly.  However, if you need one now, I’m going to get the MCI World Traveler card.  It seems like the best buy with the least amount of fees. If you fill out the box below it will take you to the site and clue you in to the rates you’ll be paying.  For instance, if you’re cruising the Caribbean and think you may want to call the continental U.S. from the U.S. Virgin Islands, the rate should run between 6 and 7 cents a minute.  If you’re calling the U.S. from Mexico, it goes up to about 37 cents a minute.      

Let me touch briefly on fees.  A lot of cards have a maintenance fee.  This one does not. That means you could pay up to a $1.00 a week just to have the card, and you’ll pay this whether you use it or not.  So if you have minutes left on the card, there’s a good chance the maintenance fees will eat up any remaining time. 

There’s also a rounding charge which means if you speak for ten-and-a-half minutes, you’ll be charged for eleven minutes.  That’s if you get a 1 minute rounding fee.  That’s what this card has.  Some cards have a 3 minute rounding fee.

These rates, by the way, are valid from a pay phone, not cell phones.  For cell phone rates you’ll have to check with your cellular carrier.

There’s also going to be a charge for using a pay phone, in the neighborhood of 50 cents for each call you make.  That will be deducted from your minutes.

Although pay phones seem to be a thing of the past, there are plenty of them dockside.  You’ll generally find pay phones available at the various cruise terminals.  They come in very handy for cruise ship employees who like to call home during their breaks. 

I like using prepaid phone cards because I know I won’t get hit with some ridiculous phone bill when I return home.  This also forces me to spread out the time I spend talking on the phone.  If I know I have a certain amount of minutes remaining on the card, I’ll divide that into how many more stops we’re making and how many calls I’d still like to make.  When the card runs out, that’s it.  I generally spend about $20 on a card and as an example probably make 3 or 4 calls home to the U.S. from the Caribbean during a 7-day trip.

I’ve never called home from the ship directly.  I hear the fees are beyond crazy to do that.  So if you’re interested in reasonably priced pre-paid phone card, this one seems like a good choice.  

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Hurricane season typically runs from June through November but peak season for the destructive storms is generally August and September.  So if you’re concerned about a hurricane, common sense should tell you to pick an alternative destination during that time, including Hawaii, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera or Europe.  Also, keep in mind, if you’re searching for a summer cruise and the price seems low, it could be due in part to hurricane season. 

If you’re set on cruising the Caribbean during the late summer then expect the unexpected.  If you have your heart set on visiting certain ports, then this probably isn’t the time to cruise.  Because of Hurricane Gustav, cruise lines have been rerouting their ships this past week and will continue to do so until the storm threat passes.  A western itinerary has turned into an eastern one, ports have been skipped or substituted and itineraries have been reversed.  Anything is possible.  With the latest satellite technology, the crew does its best to route the ship around the hurricane.  I remember a few years ago asking a fellow travel agent what it was like cruising during a hurricane and she said she had no idea how strong it was because the captain routed around it.  Also, you might get lucky, like I did.  My first cruise was a 10-day adventure in the Caribbean the last week of August and through Labor Day many years ago.  It was hot, windless and a trip I’ll never forget (for all the right reasons)!

It is unusual for a cruise to be cancelled because of a hurricane.  As mentioned, the itineraries are generally changed to accommodate passengers safely.  If you’re concerned you can check with the National Hurricane Center website at www.nhc.noaa.gov.  If a hurricane does hit and you’re cruising, that could be better than being stuck in a hotel where you can’t change your destination on a moment’s notice. 

Make sure to purchase insurance to cover your trip in case of cancellation or delay.  If your flights are delayed and you purchased air through the cruise line then your insurance should cover any incurred expenses.  If you purchase your air separately, the cruise line more than likely won’t cover delays so make sure the insurance you buy does.

Also, the southern Caribbean islands, including Aruba and Barbados may be safer ports as hurricanes generally hit locations further north in the Caribbean.  Of course you have to get to those ports and that means a likely departure from hurricane-prone Florida.

The bottom line, if you cruise through the Caribbean during the late summer months, be aware hurricanes are a possibility.  Don’t get your heart set on specific ports.  Be flexible.  Know that the cruise lines go through this every season and have installed the latest technology to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.  Buy insurance to cover cancellation or delays.  And if you’re still uncomfortable with the thought of cruising during hurricane season, choose a different destination or date.

Happy travels!

Caribbean Cruise,  Hurricane Cruise,  Hurricane Gustav, Cruise Insurance  

Despite one of the world’s most famous golfers missing this weekend’s British Open due to knee surgery, his presence still looms large.  Journalists quiz the pros whether a win means as much with Tiger Woods out of the hunt.  Jokes Geoff Ogilvy, ranked third in the world, “I just hope they taught the engraver how to put an asterisk on the trophy.”

            Tiger Woods                                                

Last year’s near winner, Sergio Garcia believes a win is a win.  

“With all due respect, the Open is bigger than any of us, even Tiger Woods.  If I manage to win this week, I’m not going to go, ‘Oh, I won the British Open but Tiger wasn’t there.’ I’ll still have the claret jug, which is the most important thing.”

One wonders if some of the pros may quietly be breathing a collective sigh of relief knowing Woods is out of the picture for the rest of the season.   The TV networks undoubtedly hold a different view, concerned viewership will suffer without Woods, the first major PGA tournament he’s missed in 12 years.

Since Woods won’t be gracing the TV screen the rest of the golf season, perhaps now would be a good time to brush up on a few strokes.  There are several golf cruises available.  The golf itineraries follow some of Europe’s best courses.  Professionals are on hand to offer important tips and the latest video technology is available to help improve your game.  Could be pretty sweet to perfect your swing against a sea and sky background.  By the way, cruise lines provide clubs or you can bring your own. 

Luxury line Silversea offers several golf cruise itineraries throughout the year.  Peter Deilmann also has quite a few golf theme itineraries set.  One quick bit of trivia, golf cruises are one of the most popular theme cruises offered in today’s expanding cruise market.

Happy travels! 

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So if I had a few thousand dollars burning a hole in my pocket and a couple weeks of vacation this summer, there’s one particular cruise I’d book in a heartbeat.  It’s on a luxury cruise line with world-famous guests traveling a storybook European itinerary.  Let me fill in the blanks.

If you check out my cruise website, www.smartmoneycruises.com, you’ll see more than 50 theme categories listed with hundreds of cruises.  But out of all the cruises I’ve researched, this one is definitely at the top of my list.  It’s on Crystal Cruise Lines Serenity, traveling from Monte Carlo to Venice. The special guests on board are award-winning newswoman Barbara Walters and famed composer Marvin Hamlisch.  It also happens to be one of Crystal’s popular Wine and Food Festival themes.  So not only do you get to mingle with A list celebrities but you get the pleasure of enjoying some of the best food and wine, all while journeying from the French Riviera to one of the prettiest cities in the world, Venice, Italy.  Now that’s my kind of cruise!

It’s departing Monte Carlo this July 31 and docks in Venice on August 12th.  At this date I’m not writing to encourage you to book the trip but I want you to be aware of some of the options available among the many cruise lines today.

We’ve gone far beyond Broadway style shows and casinos for our at-sea entertainment.  I remember my first cruise (a 10-day Royal Caribbean adventure in the early ’80’s).  You ate at designated times and you either gambled or watched the shows.  Honestly, they weren’t that good back then.  But it was something to do in the evening.  There were no workshops, themed-cruises or celebrities traveling.  It’s amazing how far the industry has come, even in the last few years.  (By the way, I loved that cruise and still think of it often.  There’s nothing quite like your first cruise!)

Although there are millions of folks who’ve yet to take their first cruise, there are also many passengers who are repeat cruisers.  They’ve seen a lot of the ports, particularly in the Caribbean.  Many are content to stay on the ship and just enjoy its amenities.  That’s become much easier as the increase of shipboard activities mean the ships themselves are now becoming the destination.  That’s fine with cruise line execs.  As long as you stay on board, so does your money.

By the way, if you want to see more on the Crystal Serenity cruise, you can reach the page at www.smartmoneycruises.com/television-movies.htm.

Happy travels!     

 Theme Cruise, Barbara Walters, Marvin Hamlisch, Crystal Cruise, Europe Cruise, Crystal Serenity, Smart Money Cruises

So where did I live off from my last post?  Oh yes, food.  Well, my family is partial to Mexican food and we like the family-run places so I’m giving our vote to an eatery that’s been around since 1940.  It’s called ‘El Indio’.  It’s not fancy, you order at the counter then search for a table.  It’s in an industrial area and parking can be interesting.  So what makes this place worth recommending?

Everything is homemade. Tamales, carnitas, enchiladas, you name it.  All fresh.  You can buy packages of steaming tortillas, sides of guacamole and sour cream to accompany your meal.  It’s totally casual, not as cheap as some, but definitely popular and always a line, especially weekends.  Also very close to the port of San Diego and San Diego Airport.

There’s also a popular burger eatery called Hodad’s and a pasta place named Lotsa Pasta.  Didn’t eat at these but they seem to be well liked.  Googling San Diego restaurants is enlighting.  Everyone has their opinions.   I’ve found restaurant reviews are similar to hotel reviews in that sometimes people can be really picky.  My experience has taught me if even a few folks like it, it’s probably pretty good.  It’s always a good idea to checkout the menus and read as many reviews as possible.  And use your gut instinct. 

Things to do in San Diego.  As far as activities go, Sea World San Diego is fun for all ages.  Plan on a full day, possibly two if the little ones need naps.  The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are popular but they’re inland a bit so prepare for warmer weather at those locations during the summer. 

If you’re looking to stay along the beach, we love La Jolla.  It’s about a 15 minute drive from the Mission Bay/Sea World area and neighboring Pacific Beach.  There are a lot of restaurants, bars and funky shops along the main drag of Pacific Beach.  It’s geared to a 20’s and 30’s crowd rather than families.  La Jolla, meantime, has a different vibe, lots of boutique properties, nice shops and romantic restaurants.  It’s pricey but pretty.  Parking is tight and food can be expensive but definitely worth a visit if you have an extra afternoon or evening.

One of our other favorite areas is Coronado Island.  There are a half a dozen places worth staying, everything from motel to high-end resort.  That would be the Del (Hotel del Coronado).  At more than 100 years young, it’s a landmark in the San Diego area and worth a walk around the grounds.  Known for many amenities including it’s oceanfront location and Sunday brunch.

So if you’re taking a cruise from San Diego, allow yourself at least a couple of days to get acquainted with the area.  With its’ impressive downtown skyline it looks like a bit city but with it’s casual beach atmosphere and laid back attitude, it has a smaller-town feel.

One other thing to consider, if you’re cruising from the port of Los Angeles, you could still enjoy the San Diego sights.  Consider flying in to San Diego and spending a couple days there then take a shuttle directly to the pier or ride amtrak to downtown L.A. From there you’d take a bus or shuttle transportation to the pier, about 20 miles away.  The ride between the two areas takes on average about two hours. 

So there are lots of choices.  If you have the time and are taking a week-long cruise, consider extending your trip to a-week-and-a-half or even two weeks.  I’ve lived in Southern California all my life and I still have more to see!

Happy travels.

San Diego, Cruise from San Diego, Sea World San Diego, Port of San Diego, San Diego Weather, Smart Money Cruises              

So my family lives in Orange County, California (I never call it Cali).  We usually head to Hawaii for a week or more during the summer.  But truthfully, this year I just couldn’t face an airport.  So we came to San Diego, about an hour and a half south, for a few days.

The weather is very much like our area, mid 70’s this weekend, the last weekend of June.  It’s nice to just sit by the pool and hang out.  But of course, I’m not just one to sit.  I wanted to check out the hotel rooms so I brought my flip video and will be posting comments and video of the hotel on my website which you’ll be able to check out at www.smartmoneycruises.com/hotelindex.htm shortly.  By the way, we’re staying at the Hyatt Mission Bay.

I’ll be adding hotels from the Southern California area to my website because I think it’s nice to spend a couple of days either before or after your cruise, just chillaxing.  I prefer the pre-cruise stay rather than the post-cruise, especially if you’re flying in from another time zone and need to shake the jet lag.

San Diego is a very pretty area.  It’s divided into several sections.  We’re staying in the Mission Bay area just across from Sea World, at the Hyatt Mission Bay.  It just underwent a $65 million dollar renovation and I must say, it’s a very clean, fresh property, zen-like with an asian influence, great pools and water slides.  There’s a water view, either bay or marina, from practically every room.  In the summer, because of the resort-like atmosphere, it’s popular with families. 

I have to say, even though I miss Hawaii, getting here was a breeze.  We like to stop in Carlsbad at the outlet mall to take a break and stretch our legs (and usually our wallets.)  It’s been awhile since I’ve been to the city of San Diego and I was surprised that it only took about another 20 minutes to get to the San Diego airport area from Carlsbad.  That’s on a weekend with no traffic.

I’m going to write more about our trip and share some of our favorite eating spots.  As we drive around I’ll get a better lay of the land and hopefully share some more tips on hotels and activities.  For now, we’re off for a bite to eat.  Hamburgers or seafood?  After a day enjoying the salt air, either sounds good.

   
San Diego, Things to do in San Diego , Sea World San Diego , San Diego Hotels , San Diego Weather
  

I can’t think of a better example than the following to explain the importance of securing a passport and travel insurance before you cruise.

A husband and wife traveling with three young children, including a baby, made headlines recently when the 7-month-old daughter became ill.  A doctor at the Royal Caribbean ship’s medical facility feared the dreaded norovirus so the family was dropped off and obtained medical assistance in the Bahamas.  The illness reportedly turned out to be a cold.  So now we’re thinking, oh my gosh.  Not a good experience.  To make matters worse, we learn the family had no passports or trip cancellation insurance. 

So, the family had to contact the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas for emergency passports and find transportation home.  Out of pocket cost, a reported $1700.  The cruise line has since stepped in to assist the family with a credit for a future cruise but was under no obligation to do so.

First of all, I can’t imagine cruising without a passport.  In this case, passports weren’t required because the ship left and returned to a U.S. port.  However, it did visit foreign ports and, just as this story indicates, if you end up returning home from a foreign stop, you need a passport.  Simple as that.  Also, three kids?  No travel insurance?  If they were trying to save a few bucks, they learned a tough lesson.  That’s not where you want to cut financial corners.

Even when it’s just my husband and myself traveling, we still purchase trip cancellation insurance.  We have a daughter, and elderly parents.  If they get sick and we can’t go, we’re covered.  Peace of mind and common sense.

So, before you cruise, be prepared.  I’ve provided some links to answer some of your passport and travel insurance questions:

us passport

how to get a passport

travel insurance

These websites should get you started.  Keep in mind it can take several weeks to obtain a passport once you’ve sent in all the correct paperwork, particularly during the summer when travel is at its peak.

Cruise lines also offer their own insurance but its fine to book elsewhere.  Just do your research.

Happy travels! 

US Passport, Travel Insurance, Royal Caribbean, Trip Insurance, Passport