In the words of Monty Python; “Nobody expected the Spanish Inquisition” but travel always has a certain element of risk. Unfortunately todays news is making that painfully clear. One of the most important things you need when natural disasters and civil unrest erupts in a country where you’re traveling is a way for the U.S. government to locate you. Well there’s an APP for that. It’s called STEP.
The United States State Department has a program to help you while you travel internationally. Travelers are urged to enroll in STEP the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (ENROLL HERE) to receive security messages and to make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The State Department uses security messages to convey information to you about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, along with information about natural disasters. It can also provide information on how to contact consulates, embassies and the State Department directly in an emergency.
Enrollment is free and it creates an account that includes your contact information along with how to get in touch with your emergency contacts should something happen. You use the account online to update your travel information before and while you travel, which is automatically transferred to embassies and consulates near your travel locations.
Sometimes having Big Brother watch you could be a good thing…
If you do more than a few cruises, chances are you will be offered an upgrade. Generally upgrades fall into a few categories:
Upgrades at discounted rates
A promotional offer
Complimentary upgrade
Last minute upgrade offer at time of sailing
Usually the first reaction when offered an upgrade is elation over your luck, but don’t jump at that offer right away. There are a few things to consider so be sure and ask some questions.
If you’re being offered a stateroom upgrade ask if the usual category perks are still included with the upgrade. They can include complimentary spa use, a special restaurant, preferred seating at shows, preferred boarding to tenders. Often the upgraded does not include those perks and you need to consider if the change in stateroom location is worth a little extra room?
Additionally, often the cabin upgrade is in a less desirable location. Could it be noisy being near to an area that operates late into the night? Is it still on one of your preferred decks? Be sure and check a ship map to see if it is next to a void where there could be machinery or elevator noise?
There is also an upgrade offer called “run of the ship”. What that means is you will be guaranteed a specific stateroom upgrade but you’ll learn about the location when you board the ship. That means the stateroom could be on a lower deck, a high deck, all the way forward or include an obstructed view. While you can save money in booking by accepting “run of the ship” staterooms, that is a decision you consider in relationship to your budget and if the savings is worth the possible inconvience. In the case of the upgrade there usually isn’t a reduction in fare.
If you’re looking for an upgrade there is really no way to understand how to go about getting one. Your chances do improve as your cruising status improves with a favorite cruise line and that is a function of the number of cruises you’ve taken. Also remember the cruise ship knows a lot about the desirability of specific staterooms onboard and they always expect to get some advantage out of the offer. Sometimes it’s increasing your loyalty to the cruise line and that’s the real win-win!
If you’re picky about cabin location, understand you usually cannot choose the location of your upgrade stateroom or suite and if you’re excited about the upgrade for the increased perks, you need to know that most cruise lines don’t offer those perks with free or discounted upgrades from standard class cabins. Make sure what that offer includes.
Just like all transactions, in upgrading the caution “buyer be ware” is good advice.
There are 116 miles of Mediterranean coast in western Israel stretching from Lebanon in the north to the Gaza Strip in the south. The two major ports of call for cruise ships are Ashdod just north of Gaza and Haifa another 70 miles north. Ashdod is within a short drive of Tel Aviv and usually the port for tours to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and surrounding areas while Haifa is near to Acre the stronghold of the Christian Crusaders.
Tel Aviv
Due to the conflict and the geo-politics involving Israel and the region, security has to be a concern. Israel works very hard at keeping their cities safe providing protection to its visitors and most travel experts strongly recommend traveling in organized tours while visiting.
Where Your Ship Docks – Both of these ports are very similar as far as docking locations and facilities. They are both working industrial ports situated some distance from city centers which makes walking out and access to public transportation difficult or just not an option.
Transportation – Because of the distances involved in traveling from a port it is probably best to consider using the ships tours. There are often drop-off pick-up tours to places like Tel Aviv where you can explore on your own.
Beach at Tel Aviv
Taxis in Israel are common and a good choice in getting around. Israeli taxis by Western standards are inexpensive and are usually readily available, safe with modern cars, and friendly drivers. Within cities, drivers must use the meter unless you agree to a fixed fare and inter-city taxis have fixed fares for specific destinations. Be aware there are surcharges for calling a taxi (5 NIS approx), for luggage (4.6 NIS each). Night rates usually have a 25% surcharge, and there is a starting fare of NIS 11 in cities. There is usually an additional surcharge for Sabbath hours.
Money – 1 US Dollar = 3.42 New Israeli Sheqels. You will need to exchange some currency but major bank credit and debit cards are widely welcome.
Jerusalem
What To See and Do:
Ashdod – This port of call is the most convenient for visiting historic Jerusalem and is usually the primary focus of most passengers. There will usually be dozens of tours available to the historic city and its surrounding sites like, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Masada and the Jordon Valley.
Less than twenty miles north of the port is Tel Aviv and Jaffa. If you can fit in the time, a day trip up the coast is well worth the effort to see the real Israel. Tel Aviv is a remarkable, modern city with beautiful beaches and incredible skyscrapers. Its wide avenues are lined with shops and parks and outdoor cafes invite sitting and people watching. Jaffa to the south has the character of a beach resort with a number of nice restaurants, a seaside walk and protected harbor. Above Jaffa is a historic neighborhood with art galleries, a beautiful park and views up the coast of Tel Aviv beaches and skyline.
Haifa – The Baha’i Gardens extending from the summit of Mount Carmel along the northwestern slope of the mountain. In total the 19 terraces and more than 1,500 steps drop down towards Haifa port. The Baháʼí Faith is a religion teaching the essential worth of all religions and was established by Baháʼu’lláh in 1863 in Persia.
Twelve miles north of the port is Acre, the fortified town and home to Crusaders fighting to open Jerusalem to Christian pilgrims from the eleventh to sixteenth centuries. Famous for the Siege of Acre, 1189-91 which was the first major battle of the Third Crusade. The siege involved a mixed force of European armies led by Richard the Lionheart of England against the Muslim army of Saladin. A remarkable experience with its passageways and halls. Outside the fort is an interesting marketplace and a protected harbor area.
116 miles of Mediterranean coast in western Israel stretchs from Lebanon in the north to Gaza in the south. The two major ports of call for cruise ships are Ashdod just north of Gaza and Haifa another 70 miles north.
The port city of Singapore is what the future will hopefully look like. A world-class city that is modern, clean, safe and easy to get around in. You will be amazed by this place and we cannot say too much about the people, who are friendly, courteous and seem to live life with a dedication that is becoming all to rare in today’s world.
Singapore At Night
Singapore is both a port of call and a popular departure port. If you are taking a cruise out of Singapore give yourself a treat and allow at least a two or three days to explore this city.
Ships anchored off Singapore waiting their entry into the straights of Malacca, one of the worlds busiest ocean transits.
Marina Towers
Where You’re Ship Docks
Ships can dock at a number of piers from behind Brani Island over to the Marina area. Marina Bay East is the most likely for the larger cruise ships. Either way, the good news is that the central city fans out from around the waterfront and the cruise ship piers. There is also easy access to the MRT (the metropolitan rapid transit system) only a short walk away from most piers. Most piers also have good, well marked sidewalks out of the port area.
While it is convenient to book a tour offered by the ship or do a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Singapore is a city easy to explore on your own. At Marina Bay East it is about a quarter mile walk over to the nearest MRT station. Because a number of ships do overnights in Singapore it is a recommendation to get a one or two day Singapore Tourist Pass and select a few destinations.
Wheelchair Accessibility
City Characteristics – This port has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Singapore MRT
Transportation
Taxis – Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. A taxi ride between the Marina Bay Pier and the airport should be under US$20.
1 To 3 Day Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) Cards
Buses and the MRT – Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that includes modern buses and the MRT, one of the worlds best rapid transit systems.
Facade of a Hindu Temple
Singapore offers a one, two and three day tourist transit passes that cost $10, $16 and $20 plus a refundable $10 card deposit. The pass allows for consecutive daily use of all buses, MRT and LRT trains.
For one or two transit trips you could consider purchasing individual trip tickets for $1.40 each. Those tickets are easy to figure out and purchase at automated kiosks in transit stations. Each ticket is valid for one entry and exit within a couple of hours of entry. Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) can be purchased from selected TransitLink Ticket Offices or the Automated STP Kiosk at terminal 2 and 3 at Changi Airport. You can receive your deposit refund on the pass at ANY TransitLink Ticket Offices. To locate all TransitLink Ticket Offices. You can also get a refund at SMRT Passenger Service Centers located at Changi Airport, Kranji, Lavender, Dhoby Ghaut and the Marina South Pier, but not at the Singapore Tourist Pass Kiosk at the airport.
Buses – Singapore has a fleet of modern buses and an incredible number of bus routes. Tourist cards work on all the buses and there are a couple of routes that provide service from the Marina area into the city center as well as along the coast to Changi Airport.
Money – Currently the Singapore dollar is equivalent to US$0.75 and it is recommended that you convert some currency as Euros and US Dollars are not generally accepted. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted everywhere.
Locals exercising in a Singapore park
Gardens By The Bay
Attractions
Gardens – Singapore has a number of great gardens starting with Singapore Botanic Gardens which is a tremendous place to spend a few hours. Nearby is the National Orchid Garden and don’t miss the Gardens by the Bay which are very near the cruise docks.
Hindu And Buddhist Temples – The development of Singapore under the British used laborers from India and they built a number of Hindu Temples. Most are beautifully decorated with sculptors and bright paintings and you could easily spend a day just visiting these and a Buddhist temples.
China Town
China Town and Little India – Singapore is a very ethnically diverse city and the Chinese and Indian populations are an integral part of city life. Both have interesting enclaves where you can find unique shopping opportunities along with good restaurants worth a few hours of your time.
Modern Singapore – This is a modern, fast growing and vibrant city, which has become a shopping Mecca and probably has more world famous restaurateurs than any place else on Earth. Be sure and fit in a visit The Marina Bay Towers, which includes a shopping mall, a casino and a hotel, with a trip to the roof gardens being a must.
Modern, amazing, friendly – Singapore features restaurants by some of the worlds best chefs, incredible entertainment, spectacular gardens and great shopping. This city blends a number of cultures into a unique culture all its own.
Download, save or print our Singapore maps and guide.
While it may seem obvious in deciding which room or category to book there are some points you may want to consider. For most people the decision comes down to what can you afford and should you consider an ocean view or a balcony stateroom.
A Royal Caribbean Suite
On most cruise ships cabins can be grouped into five categories; inside cabins, outside cabins, ocean view, veranda (balcony) or suite. There are usually a number of variations from ship to ship like some have balconies that look inside the ship instead of out to sea. There are also some ships that are all balcony and others that are missing one or two categories completely. There are also some additional categories like deluxe or a concierge class that can include upgraded dining, spas and more services but most ships are somewhat similar in their offerings.
SHOP NOW
If the money is not an issue why not just book a suite? Consider first what you are expecting on your cruise. Is it a long cruise where some extra room might really matter or is it a three or five day cruise where you expect to spend little time in the cabin? Why book an expensive stateroom if you don’t see yourself using it much? We’ve also even discovered an advantage staying in an inside cabin. It’s dark – with no windows that usually means we sleep longer.
Will this be a cruise noted for its scenery or is it mostly going to be days at sea? We strongly suggest at least an outside cabin and strongly recommend a veranda for cruising Alaska as well as some other cruises. Consider what makes the best sense for the cruise itinerary.
Oddly, for somer cruises, like trans-Atlantics, you may discover that usually less expensive cabins may actually cost more. This is usually dependent on when you book as the cruise ships are trying to hold onto less expensive categories for thrifty last minute bookings (See our article on saving money when booking).
Oceanview and balcony cabins are actually very similar. They’re both usually about the same size and can be located on most decks, as well as forward and aft, though some cruise ships will not have balconies on lower decks. In addition most cabins have twin beds that will convert into a queen, a desk and a sitting area usually with a sofa or chairs. Many have convertible sofas or extra berths to fit additional passengers. Most work okay for families but can be too cramped if there are four adults cruising together. Bathrooms in both cabin types will vary, but usually feature a shower, sink and toilet and limited shelf space. Both usually have a set of standard amenities like a television, hair dryers, safes, and minifridge but vary by cruise line.
The key difference between ocean view staterooms and balcony cabins is, of course, one has a window and the other has a balcony furnished with a couple of chairs and a table. Oceanview cabins can have either a square window or a smaller round porthole, and most don’t open. Most balcony cabins have glass doors and an opportunity for sitting a watching the scenery glide by. If you’re cruising the Caribbean or other warm destination, you’ll spend some time out on your balcony but with destinations like the Baltic, Maritime Canada or Northern Europe probably not.
Again if money is not a consideration it really doesn’t matter but for most cruisers consider the itinerary and your options before booking a stateroom.
A cruise port off the Adriatic Sea that’s gaining in popularity recently as much for the historic old city as for the incredible scenery.
Port of CallKotor, Montenegro
The old port of Kotor is ringed by steep limestone mountains and surrounded by fortifications built from the Roman era to the Venetian period. It is located on the Bay of Kotor deep inland from the Adriatic Sea. The bay is actually a ria, which is a filled-in river canyon. Together with picturesque towns, the nearly shear limestone cliffs of the mountains of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor offers an impressive landscape. The current population of Kotor is under 15,000.
Where Your Ship Docks – There aren’t docking facilities that can accommodate large cruise ships so the is mostly a tender port. The tender pier is located just outside the old city with a tourist information office and public facilities.
Transportation – Aside from the old city and the nearby town this is a reasonably isolated area hemmed in by steep mountains with its back to the bay. There are some tour buses that originate at the pier when ships are in. The old city is very walkable and if you are up for a hike there are trails up the mountain behind the city to the churches and fortifications.
Currency – The currency in Montenegro since 2002 is the Euro. One can exchange currency in banks or in numerous exchange offices and other currencies are no usually accepted in shops. Credit cards are welcome and there are some ATM’s.
In recent years Kotor has seen an explosion in tourists, with a majority coming by cruise ship. The cruising industry has greatly expanded in the Mediterranean recently requiring an expanded offering of port destinations. Kotor is the new beneficiary offering the mild environment of the Gulf of Kotor, the spectacular natural scenery and the history of the old town.
The oldest known building in Montenegro is an early Christian basilica, dating from the 6th century, based on archaeological evidence, it was uncovered under the Church of Our Lady of Remedy.
Kotor is part of the World Heritage Site named the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor. The fortified city of Kotor was also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list as part of “the Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries”.
Roman Era
The town was first mentioned in Roman writings around 168 BC, and was known as Acruvium, (Ancient Greek: Ἀσκρήβιον) and was part of the Roman province of Dalmatia.
The town has been fortified since the Middle Ages, when Emperor Justinian erected a fortress above Ascrivium in 535, after expelling the Ostrogoths. Ascrivium was later sacked by the Saracens in 840. It was fortified with walls and castle near the peak of Saint Ivan by Constantine VII in 10th century. It was one of the more influential Dalmatian city-states throughout the early Middle Ages.The city was part of Byzantine Dalmatia in that period, and the modern name of Kotor probably originated from its Byzantine name.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Located out in the Bay of Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks sits on a manmade islet. According to legend, the islet was made over the centuries by local Croatian seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding the icon of Madonna and Child on the rock in the sea on July 22, 1452. Upon returning from each successful voyage, they laid a rock in the Bay. Over time, the islet gradually emerged from the sea.
Another church sitting far above the old town is the Lady of Remedy, along with the Byzantine Fort St. Ivan and the Chapel of St. John. The Lady of Remedy is a Roman Catholic church belonging to the Catholic Diocese of Kotor and dates from 1518. The church is perched on the steep slope of the St. John Mountain with a commanding view of the Old Town below.
If you are in good shape you should consider taking the hike up the mountain over the stairs and trail cut into the rock of the mountain. The road (walking path) ascends from behind the Church of St. Mary Collegiate in the back of the old town.
Wines of Montenegro
In Montenegro, grapes were grown over two thousands years ago and later the Romans brought wine making knowhow to the region. With a perfect climate for vineyards, wine making has flourished in the region with two varietals of special note– dark “Vranac” and bright “Krsta”. These wines carry the names of these grapes.
The Intentional Travelers 