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10/25/07
Blog Moved
Filed under: General
Posted by: Michael Shepp @ 9:47 pm

Please visit my new Blog at http://cruiseagent.blogspot.com/

This one is no longer updated.

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10/02/07
New To Cruising
Filed under: General
Posted by: Michael Shepp @ 8:57 am

Cruises are generally the best vacation value.  You unpack only once, no checking in and out of hotels while you visit several destinations in a very efficient manner.  No extra cost for food on board, and there is plenty of food on a cruise.  Do it all or do nothing, or somewhere in between, it is up to you.  Cruises offer travel in an environment that’s safe and comfortable.  You’re pampered like nowhere else!

Some reasons to consider cruising to be the best vacation value, Romance, Excursions, Extraordinary Food, Live Perormmances, Dancing, Sunbathing, Adventure, and Relaxation.

The evenings are wonderful, with casinos, resturants, games galore.  It is the vacation where there truly is something for everyone.  Visit exotic places without leaving the comfort of the ship or take time away from the ship to enjoy all the ports have to offer.  On a cruise, it seems like the whole world is having a good time.  Walk with friends, or alone on the most beautiful places on earth.  Ready to relax?  Pools and spas are there for you.  First or second honeymoon, it’s a special time with that special someone.

A cruise is a vacation resort at sea.  Imagine a floating vacation village with restaurants, bars, shops, theatres, nightclubs, sports facilities, swimming pools, children’s play areas and more.  A cruise ship is a self-contained resort.  You’ll find all the amenities that you would find at a hotel and you can choose your accommodation to suit your budget.  Your cabin will be cleaned daily, with fresh towels every day.

Relax on board in a cash-free environment, no need to worry about carrying money around with you.  Sign for your drinks, excursions and all on board purchases.  Either pay by credit card or cash at the beginning of your cruise.  Register your card at the start of the cruise and be automatically debited at the end.  You’ll normally receive an interim statement and final statement.

Whatever your lifestyle and age cruising is for everyone.  Cruising is great for singles, couples and families.  Cruising is the fastest growing “vacation destination” and there are over 30,000 cruises to choose from each year.

Dress code is not always formal, but a mixture of casual and informal.  During the day, dress code is quite casual (swimwear not allowed in restaurants).  Pack to suit the destination you are travelling to and take advice from the brochure and your travel agent.  Wardrobe space may be limited, so don’t pack too much, and make sure you take comfortable shoes for walking.

Any health problems and you’ll be taken care of.  All ships carry at least one doctor and one nurse and have fully-equipped medical facilities.  Medical treatment has to be paid for but can sometimes be claimed back through your insurance company or the optional travel insurance if you purchased it, which you should before any cruise.  Most ships now have excellent facilities for disabled travellers.

Tipping, a delicate subject, but don’t let it cause you embarrassment.  On some ships, an automatic gratuity of 15% is added to your bar bill.  Your ship will recommend how much to tip, and to who, and some cruise lines operate a ‘No Tipping Required’ policy or include some gratuities in your cruise fare.

As stated above, Cruises are generally the best vacation value for your money.  Cruising doesn’t have to be expensive, It is possible to get a 7 night cruise for as little as $410.  Book early and take advantage of great savings as almost everything is included - accommodation, entertainment and meals on board.  Regular cruisers can join the cruise line loyalty programs and receive additional benefits.

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09/23/07
Passports and Cruising
Filed under: General
Posted by: Michael Shepp @ 7:39 pm

iamnutz1The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), once implemented, will require all travelers entering or re-entering the United States to be in possession of a valid passport, even when traveling from certain countries in the Western Hemisphere for which passports previously were not required. Implementation of the WHTI is presently expected to be on the following schedule:
• January 23, 2007 - Valid passport required for travel by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
• As early as January 1, 2008 - Valid passport required for all U.S. air, sea and land border crossings. This requirement may become effective Summer 2008, but no later than January 2009, but with the passport backlog being caught up, the extra time probably won’t be needed.

Until that time and for Sea Travel Only, for domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended. In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), plus laminated picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required. Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth (except for new borns) are not acceptable. For U.S. Naturalized citizens, in the absence of a passport, Naturalization papers (either original or notarized copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.

A passport for a cruise is still the preferred proof of citizenship even when traveling before the initiative requires a passport. The unforeseen possibility of a medical disembarkation or early cruise termination may require that you have a valid passport to enable you to fly back to the United States, which now requires a passport.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

International Travel - A valid passport is required: visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America. This has not changed.

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09/22/07
Mike Shepp
Filed under: About Me
Posted by: Michael Shepp @ 12:47 pm

My profile, contact information.

Michael Shepp

Cruises Inc.
Personal Cruise Specialist

Lutz, FL  33559   United States

Email mshepp@cruisesinc.com
Web Page http://mshepp.cruisesinc.com/

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09/20/07
Welcome!
Filed under: General
Posted by: Michael Shepp @ 9:58 pm

Welcome to my new cruise blog!

Hello, I am Michael Shepp a Personal Cruise Specialist for Cruises Inc. in Lutz, FL.  Let me help you plan the vacation of your lifetime!  Give me a call at (813) 972-0121 or Toll Free at 800-379-0370, or email me at mshepp@cruisesinc.com and I will find that special cruise for you.  My Cruises Inc. Website is at http://www.cruisesinc.com/mshepp

After cruising for the past 7 years, I have become addicted to cruising.  It is a fantasy that you want to keep rembering, and it is the best way to see the world.  As your Personal Cruise Specialist, it will be my pleasure to assist you in finding the cruise vacation of your dreams!

Certifications I have received from Cruise Line Training are:
Carnival Cruise Line - Carnival Cruise Specialist
Princess Cruises - Commodore Certified Travel Agent
Disney Cruise Line - Disney Specialist
Holland America Line - Five-Star Agent
Celebrity.Cruises - Celebrity Special Agent
Royal Caribbean International - Royal Caribbean Expert

          
Mike

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