Cruise Ship Safety

Last month I sat on the beach the day before boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise for our Girls Getaway Cruise.  I couldn’t help but think about the tragic event that took place on the Costa Concordia earlier in the month.  My heart breaks for all that experienced that accident and for those families who lost loved ones. I could only imagine how scary that was.

I consider myself a bonafide “worry wart” and very cautious person.  I always look for the exit before sitting down at a restaurant or staying the night at a hotel.  I always check where the exits are when boarding a plane.  (Yes…I worry like the best of them!)   Yet as I sat on that beach anticipating the Girls Getaway Cruise I didn’t think twice about safety and had no concerns. 

I have cruised 38 times in my life. Have attended 38 “Muster” (lifeboat) drills before sailing and can honestly say I feel very safe.  Of course accidents can happen, but accidents such as this one are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry and cruising continues to be one of the safest means of all types of leisure activities and transportation.  While any accident involving loss of human life is one too many, from 2005 through 2010 there were 16 marine casualty-related deaths out of nearly 100 million passengers carried worldwide.  This record demonstrates the industry’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the passengers and crew.  

In my own experience, the Captain and crew are committed to safety of the Cruise ship and it’s passengers. Officers and crew conduct regular drills on every ship and complete extensive training.  I have witnessed these drills many times over the years.   (You can read more about Celebrity Cruises safety standards HERE –  http://ow.ly/8ZHs1  ) 

Safety awareness is one of the reasons that I started GirlsonaCruise.com Girls Getaway travel.  I personally would be too worried to travel alone, as many of us are.  With so many women in the position of finding others to travel with, traveling with a group is the perfect answer.  It seems strange but true that even though many of us have just met on the Cruise, we become an instant support for each other in case of emergency, whether it be medical or safety.  After all, we are all in the same boat! (Pun totally intended!)  It is a huge advantage to traveling in a group.  

Do I feel safe? Absolutely!  Can accidents happen? Absolutely!  But a rare occasion will not stop me from enjoying life and all it has to offer.  

Accidents happen everywhere…but I will still get on a bus to take a trip into NYC to see a Broadway Play, I will still get on a plane to fly to LA and see my son, I will still drive to the grocery store to shop for my family, I will still ride that latest roller coaster at Disney World and I will still cruise!  

 

Janet DeVito 

 

“Why does it seem unfair to pay double to cruise single?”

Cruising Solo –

“Do I really have to pay 200%?” 

I have been a Cruise Specialist for almost 12 years now and approximately 1/4 of  my clients are solo/single travelers.  Cruising is a great way for singles to travel.  Whether it is with a group or a couple of single friends, after a day on a cruise solo travelers are suddenly “not so solo” anymore!  On any given cruise ship there are bound to be quite a few singles…so you won’t be alone!  Cruise lines do cater to the singles by hosting “meet & greet” cocktail parties throughout the cruise.

For singles & solo cruisers, having your own cabin is often the most preferred way to cruise as it is nice to have the privacy of your own cabin. There is however, one question that always comes up when someone traveling solo calls for information…

”Why do I have to pay double to have a have my own room?”  

For those of you unfamiliar with cruising, the cruise fare is usually quoted in a “per person”  rate.  That rate is always based on double occupancy.  However, if you are planning to have your own stateroom as a solo you are required to pay “double” (except on very few occasions where the cruise line is running specials).  For many this seems unfair and sometimes it is a deciding factor in cruising for a single/solo.

Although on the surface, it does seem unfair.  But if you think about the cost of a cruise in terms of booking a hotel rate, it is really not unfair at all.

If you are planning a weekend vacation at a hotel, you are quoted a “per night” rate based on the room you choose.  For example, you may choose a hotel accommodation that costs $300 per night.  If you are traveling alone it will cost you $300 per night.  If you are sharing with a friend and splitting the cost, it would then cost you each $150 per night.  The hotel does not charge you half the room price if you are only 1 person in the room.  The hotel bases their operating budget on the cost of the room, whether 1 or 2 guests are in the hotel room.

A cruise ship is very similar.  If a stateroom costs $300 per night, as a solo you would pay $300 per night and if you share the stateroom you would split that.  Sounds fair…but why does it seem so unfair?

It is the way Cruise pricing is quoted…on a “per person basis.” If a client hears that a cruise is $150 per person/per night, it is hard to understand why as a solo you have to pay double ($300 per night).  It somehow sounds wrong for a cruise to charge a 200% cruise fare for a solo traveler.  But the reality is that the Stateroom has to be paid for, exactly like the Hotel room.  The Cruise lines formulate a budget based on each stateroom being filled whether 1 or 2 guests are in the stateroom. IF the cruise was quoted in a “Per Cabin” rate instead of a “per person” rate, no one would think twice about the solo pricing.

Some cite that the difference is that Cruise fares include meals and the solo traveler is only eating for 1, so shouldn’t there be a discount?  Yet if you were staying at a hotel that included daily breakfast, you would not get a discount on the Hotel room rate if you are solo.  Again, it is thought of in terms of a “Room charge per night”.

As a solo cruiser, it might sound unfair to pay double, but when you compare it on equal terms to a hotel vacation, you will still find the Cruise a much better value…even when you are traveling solo!

So don’t let that 200% charge for a Solo Cruise fare scare you away…it is just in the way it is phrased.  And let’s not forget the benefits of having your own room – privacy, space and your own closet!  Plan your solo travel today! 

“Why DO I Have to Put My Seat back Up for Takeoff?”

Jayne Waterbury & John Walker - Continental Flight Attendants

So I am sitting on a Continental flight (Love Continental Airlines) and after 30 plus years of flying I just learned something. (I always say you are never old to learn a new trick!)

As a rebel at heart, I always wondered “why do you have to put your seats in an upright position and stow everything under your seat for take off and landing”.  I always got annoyed when they wouldn’t even let me hold my pocketbook on my lap!

Does anyone know the answer to that? I sure didn’t.  Well, NEWSFLASH!  While waiting to take off on my Continental flight to visit parents, I came across the inflight magazine and a pilot’s Q & A answered my question.  I actually felt like an idiot!  It was such an obvious answer…but I had not thought of it…..

ANSWER:

Most flight accidents take place during take off and landing.  In case of emergency, it is extremely important that the aisles are absolutely clear so everyone can evacuate quickly.  I mean, imagine that 100 women have pocket books on their laps..the plane jolts…the pocketbooks go flying…landing in pathways of freedom!  OH… I GET IT NOW!

Considering that, it totally makes sense that the seats be in an upright position too.  Reclined airline seats can definitely impede someone even getting up to go to the bathroom let alone needing to evacuate suddenly!  I can testify to that at this very moment as the woman in front of me has reclined her seat fully and my laptop is currently sitting on my chest! (Try to remember that someone is sitting behind you and be courteous.)

Now I totally understand.  It is all about the escape route and keeping it clear.

Took me 30 plus year…but thank you Captain Mike Bowers.   Now instead of feeling inconvenienced, I will feel like I am doing the responsible thing!  And as usual on a Continental flight, the Flight Attendants are always so nice!  Once again, I’ve encountered professionalism along with friendliness & humor in Jayne Waterbury & John Walker on my Continental Flight # 1845.  I mean, how can I be “a rebel” to such nice people.

Have any other questions?  Write Captain Bowers at askthePilot@united.com .   And be patient…even if you don’t understand the stupid rules!  There is usually an underlying reason…..

My Rebel attitude will have to take a break…I would rather fly safe!

Weekly Cruise Deals for May 2nd

Great deals this week in Travel!!  Royal Caribbean’s WOW sale and Pandomonium Summer Event!

NCL’s “Kids Cruise Free” sale if booked this week!

Watch video for details and then visit www.jdevito.cruiseone.com to book today!

Planning a Girls Getaway?

Rules #1 & #2

Rule #1 for a Girls Getaway –

DO NOT invite the Girls who can’t understand the invitation for a “Girls Getaway” (okay…a bit of sarcasm!).  

A classic example of a “Girls Getaway Gone Wrong” happened on the Real Housewives of Orange County when Vicky planned a Girlfriend Getaway to Fort Lauderdale… and most of the women showed up with their husbands!  To top it off, when Vicky got upset, the other women just didn’t get it!  Why?

Seriously, why would Vicky go out of her way to plan a Girls Getaway?  (Think real hard now) The answer is  -” TO GET AWAY WITH THE GIRLS!”  What don’t they get about that?  I thought that statement was completely self-explanatory…and I totally thought that they were rude to just ignore it and bring the GUYS.

I was yelling at the TV screen when I watched that episode.  I totally understood why Vicky was so mad!  There is something very special about “time away with the Girlfriends” that just isn’t the same when half of the group is “couples”.  It would destroy the “girly” atmosphere of any Girls Getaway.  

 Lesson #2 for a Girls Getaway –

Choose the right venue & atmosphere for the Girlfriends Getaway that allows choice, but makes it easy.

The best aspect of Vicky’s Girls Getaway Vicky was that she planned the whole event, day by day, activity by activity…all the way down to dinners.  She could easily get away with that & be in total control as she was paying for everything. But that is usually NOT the case when a group of girls travel.  Everyone has different budgets, desires and ideas of what they want to do, which can lead to catastrophe!

I recently did a Girls getaway to Los Angeles and the 5 days were filled with “Where do you want to have lunch?” “What time do you want to go shopping?”  “We have plans for dinner so you can’t get your hair blown out?”   Of course, I was not “the boss” as everyone was paying for themselves…and that led to half of our time spent discussing / debating all of this.  Don’t get me wrong, I still had a great time…but “ideally” life would have been easier without having to make plans!  AND that could have been accomplished by a change of venue.

The most important factor that goes into selecting the best place to have a Girls Getaway?  Go to a place where everyone can be together yet also have space so each girl can do their own thing. It is essential to take the “thinking & planning” out of the equation once you arrive at your destination.  Choice is essential, but should be a pleasure, not a major decision!  Free time should be spent having fun, relaxing & laughing!

My favorite picks for a Girls Getaway is a Cruise or an All-inclusive Resort. Both offer an easy vacation with a super wide menu of activities all within easy reach.  Shopping, Gym, Spa, Dining Options, Pools, Beach, Entertainment and more!  And the best is that on any particular ship or at any particular resort there are accommodations to suit every budget…and every woman will STILL be able to participate in the same activities!  A cruise has the added feature of being able to satisfy everyone with visits to different ports of call.  That is what it is all about Girls, taking the decisions away from the day to day and making it easy!

Options + Options + Options + Ease = A great “Girls Getaway”!

(And please remember the key word –  “GIRLS”!)

For Fun, Carefree Girls Getaway options….go to “GirlsonaCruise.com” 

Port of the Week – “Nowhere”

Nowhere?

YES…Nowhere!

FAST FACTS:

Location – “Nowhere” could be “Anywhere”

Size of Nowhere – as vast as the Ocean is wide!

Population – Very Exclusive, only other passengers on your Cruise can visit!

Even if you have never been on a “Cruise to Nowhere”…as long as you have been on a cruise, you have experienced “Nowhere”.  Although it is actually  “Somewhere”…it is definitely “Nowhere”.

I am on the plane flying back from my cruise to “Nowhere” onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. Yes, the ship went exactly there…NOWHERE!  And it was great!

First let me say, I was on the “Creme de la Creme” of Cruise Ships as far as the facilities, activities & events on a Cruise Ship.  At 220,000 gross tons, the Allure of the Seas is best described as a floating City.  It is great that the Allure takes you to exotic ports of call…but my favorite port of call for the Allure is “Nowhere”.

When a ship sails to “Nowhere”, it means that it is doing exactly that…floating at sea for a determined amount of time.  Now, you might say “WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT?!”  Here is my Top 10 Reasons for  spending a day at Sea:

1. NO pressure to hop off the ship, “Nowhere” is actually ON the Ship!
2. Fresh Ocean air…restorative benefits for your health!  Breathe!!!!!
3. Great chance to hit the Spa and get a 2 hour massage.
4. Bingo, an Art Auction, Wine Tastings, Salsa Lessons?  Endless options of “to Dos”
5. If you are on a Family Reunion Cruise or Cruising with a group, it gives you the time to really spend together.
6. I can actually finish that book I have been reading, in a quiet spot on the ship.
7. Nap time is acceptable
8. NO cost for excursions!
9. Great time for educational enrichment or even Company Seminars!
10. I can just close my eyes, feel the breeze and feel the moment.

Some on my favorite moments on a Cruise are when we are in between ports and have absolutely no pressure and nothing to do except what YOU want to do!  In fact, one big advantage of a Cruise Vacation over a land vacation is the endless options of activities.  Should you have the dreaded rainy day, on a Cruise you are never bored!

On a Cruise ship the size of the Allure, if you can’t find something to entertain you (or relax you) then we seriously need to call the “I CAN’T HAVE FUN POLICE”! Or maybe even the “PERSONALITY POLICE!”  Even the most miserable of people will find something to smile about!  No matter what type of person you are, there is something for you…..

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Sun worshipers?.. the deck is your spot!

Gamblers? …the Casino is open!

Shoppers?…Jewelry, clothing, art, Coach Pocketbooks!, Fine Wines

Active?…Golf, Rock Climbing, Bball, Spin Class, Ice Skating & even a Zip Line!

Crafty?…Try one of the many creative workshops offered.

Movie or Theater Buff?…Cinema Movies, Broadway Plays & even in room viewing

Food & Wine Connesieur?…Wine tasting seminars & Cooking lessons

Music Buffs?…Orchestras, bands & DJs ready to “Rock your Socks” off!

Self Indugent?…let Vitality Spa pamper you to “wet noodle” status!

I could go on and On!!!

Of course even on a small Cruise ship like the Windstar, Sea Dream that doesn’t have all the bells & whistles of a mega ship…a day at Sea is what a Cruise is all about ….relaxation.  The gentle breeze, the mesmerizing swaying of the ocean…it is thought provoking, stimulating & pampering.

Yes, I love “Nowhere”.  It is exactly the “somewhere”  I love to be!

“Aha” Moments onboard the NCL Epic

Ever Cruised? Sure, Cruising is about relaxation.  But what I love about cruising is that it is the perfect mix of Relaxation and FUN!  And the Epic has it all…for EVERYONE!

I have cruised many times over the years.  I have cruised all the major Cruise lines and have definite opinions on them all.  And now I have an opinion on the NCL Epic!

My first impression was “WOW”! The Epic is definitely a beautiful ship!  Total “eye candy”.  But what makes the Epic stand out in the sea of Cruise Ships is the vibe of FUN on the ship and the variety of FUN on this ship to please every type of cruiser.

For me, there are 3 types of “cruisers” – Couples, families and singles.  The Epic has them all covered. (I know these 3 types, because I have BEEN all of them!)

Solo Travelers have the best of everything with The Studios and Lounge – exclusive to solo travelers at special “single” cruise fares!  (See previous post “Single Traveler Heaven”)  This urban style complex is your home while the Epic is your playground!  Chill out in the Svedka Ice Bar, laugh at the Second City comedy troupe, go bowling with new friends or just relax by the pool! (My first cruise was as a single, I would have loved The Studio complex!)

Families – Parents will truly be able to relax with great accommodations in the Family Staterooms & Suites.  Not to mention the special clubs for kids of all ages!  Teens gather in “Entourage”…with a staircase warning adults to “enter at your own risk”!  And younger children are excited when parents drop them off at “Recess”, a gigantic area exclusive to kids and tweens!  Relax on a lounge chair, hit the spa and Hydrotherapy Courtyard, dine at one of over 14 restaurants in peace (including Cagneys and Teppanyaki), see the shows you have always wanted to see without interruption & party like a ‘Rock Star”  at one of the many exciting bars on the Epic.  And your kids will never realize how much FUN you are having, because they are having their own! (I raised 5 kids and KNOW how important that is!)

Couples – This ship is huge, but small enough to feel intimate & romantic.  The innovative staterooms even have a “sexy” curvy feel!  The nightlife (more than 14 bars and lounges!), casino (there is even a poolside Casino!) and entertainment (Blue Man Group!!!) is exciting & bold.  Join the NCL Pub Crawl and sample the diverse “Maltings” – Whiskey and Beer Bar, “Fat Cats” – Jazz & Blues lounge, “Headliners” – Howling at the Moon & Second City and “Cascades” – Casino Bar.  Feel like dancing?  Head over to “Spice H20”, “Ultra Bliss” (stayed way too late at these clubs!). And what could be more romantic than Dinner & Dancing at the “Manhattan Room” (Dancing with the Stars never had it so good!).  (Oh! I know…shopping in the Promenade for the perfect bauble for your wife!)

One of the coolest things about the Epic is the iTV in your stateroom.  It is your virtual control center for your Cruise.  With so much to do on the Epic…it really became my lifeline.

Did I forget to mention the outdoor activities? Epic has the 1st ever rappelling / Rock Climbing  Wall at sea!  The Epic plunge is the grand daddy of all water slides and did tempt me…(I chickened out!).  There is also a full court Basketball / tennis court.  But you can also work out in style at the Pulse Fitness Center (awesome classes and equipment!). (I am exhausted just thinking about it)!

It was a great week on the NCL Epic…so for now, I will just sit back, close my eyes and remember what that breeze felt like………

YOU? Take a tour with me in the Video below, then call me at CruiseOne to book your NCL vacation TODAY!!

Teens warn parents "Enter at your own risk!"

NCL Epic – A Ship for Everyone!

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NCL really did it right on the Epic!

An Epic ship that has something for everyone!