ReligBookFreak

We do a LOT of transatlantic cruises where we are in the ocean for 7 days straight. This, waiting until we are on port to make a call does NOT work for us. Alan

You don't need to upgrade your Wifi if you use a Mobile Hotspot. Alan

For me, gratuities and Wifi are an absolute must. Regarding Wifi, if you are sailing in Europe, Africa, or Asia and need to remain in contact with family, then purchasing Wifi is NOT an option but mandatory. Wifi Calling and Mobile Hotspots can be VERY useful if you don't want to purchase an international plan from your cell phone provider. Alan

Keep in mind that Cancel for Any Reason refunds ONLY 50 to 75% of your money, depending on the policy. I just learned a trick from my broker, Steve, at TripInsuranceStore.com. If you make a cruise deposit well in advance of the cruise (for example, a year in advance), then purchase travel insurance within 14 days of your initial deposit so you can get the pre-existing conditions coverage. However, do NOT purchase enough insurance to cover your whole trip (for example, $40,000), but only enough to cover the deposit (for example $1,000). The cost of insurance to cover your cruise deposit should be minimal. After you make final payment (a year later), you then have 14 days to increase the amount of your insurance to cover the entire trip. (NOTE: If you make multiple payments -- not just the initial and final payment -- then you have to increase your insurance within 14 days of each payment to cover the additional payment.) Doing it this way enables you to get the benefits of pre-existing medical conditions (which is really important as we get older) without requiring us to spend several thousand dollars on insurance a year before we depart. If you cancel the cruise for medical reasons, you get back your refundable deposit from the cruise line, PLUS the insurance company refunds whatever portion of your cruise deposit that was non-refundable. Alan

No. Some travel insurance policies are primary and others are secondary. You would need a policy that pays primary and then verify with the company that they pay the foreign doctor or hospital directly. Some insurance plans do this, including GeoBlue medical plans and other travel insurance plans, but many do not. Alan

Do you have a Chinese VISA? If not, you will NOT be allowed to leave the ship.

I noticed that the Azamara Onward is not listed. It's the same size as the other R-class ships in Azamara's fleet, so I assume it can also use the original locks. A previous poster mentioned Oceania's Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena, Marina, and Riviera. What about the Vista and Allura? Alan

For medical coverage, you may want to check into GeoBlue's annual policy (Blue Cross' overseas medical insurance). Alan

What if you need the pre-existing medical clause? Then you have to purchase insurance within 14 or 21 days of your initial deposit. Alan

I don't see anything on Trip Cancellation. Alan

If you ever arrange hotel or airfare on your own (rather than through Norwegian), your Norwegian travel insurance will pay NOTHING towards the lost airfare and hotel costs. Alan

The reason AIG Travel Guard's annual insurance is so cheap is that it does NOT cover Trip Cancellation. If someone in your family gets sick or dies and you have to cancel the trip, your annual insurance plan pays NOTHING; you lose all the money you paid. Alan

With luggage, I would suggest the Vaporetto or private water taxi to the Train Station. Alan

If you want a hotel easy walking to St Mark's Square and LOTS of shopping and restaurants, yet in a quiet area (with its own courtyard) and a great breakfast, I highly recommend Hotel Al Codega, a 4-star hotel. We stayed there last year. https://www.hotelalcodega.com/ Alan

If you have difficulty walking, then you will probably have difficulty getting in and out of the private water taxi. My wife had great difficulty. Alan