Green’s Travel Tips

July 2007

Cruise Ships…

People who are choosing to book a cruise often wonder what ship to choose. It comes down to studying what is available and then what appeals to you. One of the standard features of a cruise ship is size, which is measured in thousands of tons.

My wife and I have sailed on various sized ships and found each to have its own special advantage. Our first cruise was on a ship of 77,000 tons and our largest ship was 113,000 tons. Our next cruise will be on a ship of 30,000 tons and then on New Years it will be one of 83,000 tons. Actually we did cruise on the Victoria Katarina a river cruise ship in China, which is only 323 feet long and has a capacity of 266 passengers.

We have enjoyed all the ships. The larger ones have special things to offer due to size. I found a few more dining options, a few more daytime activities and several pool areas rather than just one. Because they have more people, they also offer more entertainment in order to provide something for everyone.

The smaller ships often have less show lounges and less daytime activities just because of space limitations. The smaller ships also have fewer balcony staterooms so you do have less opportunity for those bookings. It is easy to overcome the stateroom offerings by simply booking as far in advance as possible.

One charm of smaller ships is the opportunity to get to meet more people on a one on one basis. You simply run into each other more often. You will often have a closer relationship with the sea and can enjoy the soothing movement of the ship a little better. All new ships have stabilizers, which counter the sea movement and smooth it out when the ride gets a little too choppy.

The class of the cruise lines also offer differences in cruise ships. There will be slight differences in decor and appointments. That is not as true as it was years ago since all new ships have been built to be works of art. It’s sort of like automobiles; some are a little better, but they are all great. As with cars, the luxury cruise lines will offer more luxury both in design and services.

Check on the age of the cruise ship. Be sure to determine when the older vessels were refurbished. Cruise ships are completely redone to be state of the art and also to replace features which have experienced natural wear.

I would guess you have all heard of the luxury liner the Queen Elizabeth 2. This ship was built in 1967 and refurbished many times, lastly in 2006. No one would call that ship outdated and everyone is always impressed with her service and condition. If you wish to sail on her, better book soon. She was just sold to Dubai World, a company owned by the Government of Dubai. She will leave the Cunard Line on November 11 of 2008. At that time she will again be refurbished and become a permanent floating hotel in Dubai.

Yes, Cunard will continue to operate the Queen Mary 2 and the new Queen Victoria scheduled to enter service in December of 2007.

Insurance…

Another thought. Air travel is becoming more challenging. Make sure that your insurance will cover delayed/lost baggage. It is becoming more common.

My Refurbishment…

There are many marvels we experience every day. Just like the cruise ships, people often need a little adjusting. It was my turn last week. I now have a back where two of the vertebrae have had the side bone removed to create more room for the nerves and then a titanium wedge placed between two vertebrae to open up the canal. Yes, it appears to be successful as is shown by the fact that the July Travel Tips is reaching you.

Think about this…

Someone claims they dialed a number and got this recording.

“I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.”

“What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.” Edward Langley

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Member Bob Green

480/664-7354