My Favorite Links
CRUISING TIPS
MY FAVORITE LINKS
By
The Savvy Old Lady (c)
Joan Giorgianni
The Savvy Old Lady has decided to share some of her favorite cruise related web links with her readers. The list will be updated routinely and if you have a link you would like to share please email it to thesavvyoldlady@gmail.com.
MY FAVORITE LINKS
By
The Savvy Old Lady (c)
Joan Giorgianni
The Savvy Old Lady has decided to share some of her favorite cruise related web links with her readers. The list will be updated routinely and if you have a link you would like to share please email it to thesavvyoldlady@gmail.com.
1. Shipwatcher.com is a live window into the magic world of cruising. Simultaneously view the live cruise cams of ships from Cunard, Princess and P&O, while they're updated every 30 seconds. Find out vital statistics about your favorite ship, plot its current position on a map, and get all the latest news from other cruise lovers. But beware - it's very addictive.
2. http://www.wavelit.com/popup/playerAfricam.asp - If you have always wanted to take an African Safari and for one reason or another haven't make sure you check out this site. The site shows a live web cam of a watering hole in Hoedspruit, Za. On the right hand side of the page is the current time there. Check out the site in the early AM and early PM since that is the time you will see the most animals. Watch out since it can become very addicting and your children will love to see the different variety of animals that come to the area. Lions and tigers and bears...on my!
3. www.chicos.com- Ladies if you are concerned about bringing formal wear in your luggage, check out Chicos Travelers line. I just love shopping in their outlet stores the bargains are absolutely incredible. I always bring my Travelers long skirt and matching jacket and alternate various colorful tops. I can literally roll them in a ball and throw them in my bag and when I get on the ship I take them out, hang them up and there is not a wrinkle to be found anywhere. And best of all "Crabby" says I look just wonderful!
4. www.llbean.com -The Savvy Old Lady will not go anywhere without her LL Bean red rolling adventure duffle bag (The Body Bag as my family calls it). "Crabby" says I can fit two of the kids in it and still have room for all my belongings. The nice thing is that LL Bean luggage is guaranteed for life. I have had my bag now for seven years and recently had a problem with the zipper. I sent it back to them and voila I received a new bag.
5. www.customs.gov - When cruising in the Caribbean the most popular items to bring home are jewelry, perfume, art and liquor. Check out this site for a detailed report on what you can bring into the country.
6. http://www.xe.com/ucc/ - For those of you planning a European or Asian trip here is a site that will give you the most recent rates on their Universal Currency Converter.
7. www.weather.com - If you want to know the weather predictions at a particular Port of Call this is the spot to go to.
8. www.travmed.com - If you are planning to travel abroad and are concerned about health issues, visas, outbreaks, vaccination requirements this site gives vital information on 200 countries.
9. www.travelmavens.net - Expert reviews from award winning journalists who cruise, golf and explore the world.
Dear Savvy,
June of 2008 is my wife and my 15th anniversary. We want to take a cruise but I have no idea where to start. We are in our mid 30's and will not be taking our childres so we'd prefer to be on a ship that was geared for adults. By the same token, we want to have fun so we don't want to be on a ship that is too focused on the 60+ group. I've read some blogs and reviews but I can't find any real consistency in people's experience. As you have done lots of cruises, I'd really appreciate any advice you could give. It will be the first real vacation that she and I have done together since we got married so I want it to be really special and I want to avoid, as much as possible, coming away from the trip with some of the "nightmare" stories I've read. Can you help?
Romantic
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Hi Romantic,
Why do I feel like I’m Ann Landers giving advice in her lovelorn column LOL? First, let me give you an early congratulation on your 15th wedding anniversary. A cruise is a perfect way to celebrate a special romantic occasion. However, in order to give you the best advice I need some information from you.
I’m assuming you want to take a cruise around your anniversary date. Have you decided where you want to go...Caribbean , Mexican Riviera, Mediterranean , Alaska
If you can fill in the missing blanks I would be more than happy to lend my expertise to ensure a fabulous romantic experience for you and your bride. Please don’t feel overwhelmed with all the negative responses on the message boards. All too often the cruisers themselves are partly to blame for their experiences. With all the cruises that Crabby and I have taken we have never left a ship saying it was a terrible experience. As long as you stay savvy, have a positive outlook and let your needs be known to the staff you will have a wonderful time. I have met many cruisers who have complained to me while cruising about different problems they were having. When I asked them if they had spoken to someone about it they would say “yes, my cabin steward or my waiter.” If the problem still persists you kick it up a notch and demand to speak to the Director of Hotel Services and I guarantee you that your problem will quickly disappear. Don’t forget all the cruise lines want you to walk away happy in order for you to come back as a repeat cruiser and refer them to your friends. It’s all a part of being a savvy traveler. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Stay Savvy,
Hugs,
The Savvy Old lady©
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Unfortunately,we do not live in Florida...and dont have access to the instant deals.. but our biggest deal was getting a $200.00 military credit on our CC balcony for the Celebrity Constellation.. and by booking on our Discovery card in February got a huge kick back..
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