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Wanderlust Blog

Here at Amazing Journeys, we’re lucky to have the best jobs in the world—and we think our good fortune is worth sharing. So, when your next journey seems like a distant dream, take a few minutes to explore our WANDERLUST blog—it’s chock-full of engaging tales and helpful tips from our travels around the world.

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Why use an experienced travel agent?

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

On January 31, over 100 passengers were denied boarding on Carnival Cruise Lines’ Splendor heading for South America because they did not have required Brazilian visas. How did this happen?

As more people book their travel online a disturbing trend is emerging — documentation snafus that can turn a dream cruise into a nightmare. These days most people can easily book a cruise without any thought to proper documentation. On the other hand, a laissez-fare approach to booking a cruise vacation that encompasses multiple countries with varying foreign entry requirements can be costly.
This problem isn’t just within the do-it-yourself crowd. There is a growing problem with online agencies, too. Many are employing inexperienced travel agents who are not versed in the nuances of foreign travel documentation. That is leading to huge problems for clients of those agencies.
 
According to Carnival, of the 2,800-plus passengers embarking in Miami for the South American sailing, 106 guests did not have the required Brazilian visa. Several visa-less travelers were quick to put the blame on Carnival. But Carnival gave its customers proper notice so that over 97 percent of Splendor’s passengers had obtained their visas. The cruise line feels badly for the guests who chose not to pursue getting a visa and flying to the next port issuing a statement, “We are very sorry they were unable to participate on this voyage but hope they do understand that the visa requirement is a Brazilian government regulation and not a Carnival policy.”
 
All cruise lines offer visa and passport documentation information that clearly states that it is the responsibility of the passenger to carry and have available all required travel documents lest they be denied boarding.
 
 
Bottom line: the visa requirement is your responsibility not the cruise line’s. Therefore do the homework necessary well before you leave home or employ the services of a very experienced travel agent whose job it is to know the requirements. You don’t want to miss your hard-earned dream cruise.

To Cruise, Or Not To Cruise? That is the question…part 4

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

 Is Cruising Safe?
Within the first 24 hours of sailing, everyone is required to participate in a safety drill that includes trying on a life jacket and locating your assigned lifeboat, on the odd chance that you need to use it. Ships must follow many rules and regulations that assure passengers’ (and crewmembers’) safety while on board.

The Coast Guard conducts rigorous inspections of all ships operating from U.S. ports, ensuring that they comply with its emergency-response requirements. Also, international regulations require most ships to have smoke detectors, sprinklers and low-level emergency lighting for escape routes.

Ship’s crews work 24 hour round the clock shifts to ensure safe passage through the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, North Pacific, Panama Canal and all other bodies of water.

Security is often managed by Israeli personnel as well as other highly trained men and women from a variety of international backgrounds. To embark or disembark a ship, measures of tight security that rival if not exceed that which the airlines follow are exercised safely and efficiently.

In short, cruising is one of the safest means of travel available. Throw in a couple of Tequila Sunrises and Pina Coladas, and you’ll only be worried about where the heck the bar server is for the next round.

To Cruise, Or Not To Cruise? That is the question…part 3

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

 

How Can I Stay in Touch with the rest of the world?
The first question is…do you really want to? How about a break from the news on the economy, war in Iraq and steriods in baseball? Isn’t that what vacations are all about–taking a break?
Ok….old habits die hard, so if you must:
On most ships you’ll get CNN or some other cable news network on your in-room TV. A daily news sheet may also be available that combines wire reports with stories from major newspapers. You can make & receive phone calls from the phone in your cabin (though it’s prohibitively expensive) and calls & texts from your cell phone as well. Most ships have some kind of e-mail capability from internet cafes to wifi accessability.

Staying in touch is easy…but so is staying away, if that’s what you ultimately choose to do. That’s the beauty of cruising!

 

The Cat’s Out of the Bag

Friday, February 13th, 2009

 If you haven’t heard yet…the big surprise was announced last week and the rush is on. Over 40 people have already signed on for our:

Amazing Journeys Weekend Reunion Bahamas Cruise:
March 27-30, 2009 aboard Royal Caribbean’s newly refurbished
Magesty of the Seas

You’ll be made to feel famous with impeccable service from Amazing Journeys and Royal Caribbbean while enjoying lavish Las Vegas style shows, a full European-style spa with state-of-art fitness facilities, lively disco, awesome sunsets, exclusive gatherings and above all else, an AMAZING group of people with whom to share this memorable weekend!

Contact us now for information on amazing pricing! Imagine a complete vacation weekend starting at just $379. Just when you thought you couldn’t afford a vacation…now, how can you afford not to?

But, you’ll have to hurry…our available space at these prices is very limited and the registration deadline is February 26th.

Do you like surprises?

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Get ready for a previously unannounced Amazing Journey to a destination that will get you out of the cold and into the sun. Hint: Its just a 3 night getaway and it’ll cost less than $400; all meals included! Stay tuned to our AJ website within the next week for a surprise posting of something short…yet something BIG!