klfrodo

Did they ever post what the claim actually was for and what the insurer stated as the reason for the denial? Yes, but it's not really worth my time to go back and look. I just remember that many of us told the poster that it probably wasn't going to be a covered loss due to X, Y, & Z. Ever since that, poster has been on a rampage about how insurance companies never pay up and only trust those who can tell you the color of the check. (whatever that's supposed to mean.) I'd genuinely like to know *IF* there is a problem with a major insurer really NOT paying what is apparently/obviously(?) a valid claim. After 20 years of following this board and Steve, I've never heard of a reputable travel insurance company not reimbursing up to the limits of a valid claim. Have I seen some language that may be concerning? Yes. Have I seen or heard about some wild hoops one needs to jump through? Yes. Have I heard of some places who play the long game? Yes. Have I read about or seen some people whine and complain because the insurance company isn't playing fair and that "they" didn't know something wasn't a covered event? Yes. But if you play the game by the rules set forth in the contract and your claim is valid, you will eventually receive your reimbursement.

Hey CDN, don't fall into some posters personal issues. The poster arguing with you is still butthurt from an issue 3 or 4 years ago when he was upset because his claim was denied for something that was never a covered event in the first place. Instead of just saying, "well, I learned something" and moving on, all insurance companies are out to screw people even though many of us have experienced successful claims.

OBC itself could be considered a tax deductible gift. But when not used and refunded, it becomes income subject to IRS rules. Then again, I never said it had to make sense. It's the IRS FGS. BTW, my original post was meant to be sarcastic.

GET OFF MY LAWN!!!! 😂😂😂

I'm surprised the IRS hasn't ruled unused/refunded OBC as taxable Earned Income

eh,, old people tend to find something (anything) to complain about no matter the environment. Whether it's the Ritz Carleton or Motel 6. Jean - Georges in NYC or McDonalds in Times Square. Hairy chest contest on the lido deck of Carnival Fantasy or the main theater on Seabourn. That's okay though. We just have to remember a few things that older people are experiencing. Things like physical decline, emotional challenges, changes in independence, cognitive changes, generational differences, and perspective. I guess we all hope to live long enough to get cranky occasionally.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Issue resolved itself. Was able to book the entire trip on one PNR and Yes, I booked a room at the Oryx Airport Hotel on the transit side at Hamad International Airport.

Per a previous post. I'm having difficulty finding business class reward seats on One World flights from SEA to VCE. What I have discovered is that it may be possible to get business class reward seats on Qatar from SEA to DOH. Spending the night at the hotel inside the airport and then get another reward seat in business class into VCE for DOH. Besides the customs & Immigrations thing and then having to recheck luggage the next morning, what other issues might I run into that may cause me to reconsider this potential plan? BTW, I have also included in my research looking into pre-positioning and catching departure flights out of the following airports, YVR, PDX, SFO, LAX, SAN, LAS, PHX, DEN, DFW, IAH, ORD, PHL, JFK, IAD, & MIA. All with very little luck.

Can't wait to hear "The Rest of the Story". Picking up the phone afterwards to follow-up and check in? Okay, I can see that. I wouldn't expect it, but would be a nice gesture. Steve, wouldn't be my first call when I'm in the hospital in Greece. The insurance company would be my first call for the assistance being requested above.

We have a TA who must be having a bad day. Great customer service skills.

For those in the area, any idea when the counsel will announce information regarding the access fee for calendar year 2025? Thanks

Thats why anytime I'm doing a search for information, and I don't want to be tracked, I do my searches using the DuckDuckGo browser

UK to expand digital travel to more visitors - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

UK to expand digital travel to more visitors - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Cash Can you get money off your on board account card? Yes Tables do charge a 3% fee though. I guess you could also get cash from the ATM's on the ship from your credit card.

Planning to sail out of Trieste next year. For the past few years, we were easily able to find mileage award seat (One World) in business class without too much difficulty. Just like in the past few years, I would go on AS site (using DDG as my browser) and do some searches months in advance, just to get a feel. By the time it came to book the award tickets, I always had a really good idea of what was going to be available. This year? Not so much. Can't remember the last time I saw BA offerings. I even check multiple departure cities. (We don't mind flying to another city the evening before). Air Lingus is asking 350K for one way. Not. A few offerings from Qatar for 255K. That's an option that would be good if still offered on the day I need for travel. AA rarely offers Business. Usually Premium Economy. Finnair? Lucky to find economy I guess if it comes down to it, we'll just have to step outside of the One World family and buy the tickets.

If you are not on the ship and the departure time is drawing near, a security officer may enter your cabin and open your safe to locate your passport, driver's license, credit cards or any other important stuff you have left there. A security officer "MAY" enter your cabin. Yep, I'm going to leave my passport in my safe cause some people I don't know who I guarantee will not step up to reimburse any additional expenses told me the ship will gather my belongings for me. Thats just setting yourself up for failure. You can't rely on strangers to take care of you. Now, again, if this is something you choose to do, by all means. But stop trying to tell others thats there is only one answer and it's your answer.

I know someone who got it stolen also. I also know 100 who have never had an issue with it being pickpocketed or stolen. I know of a couple who lost theirs inside the house somewhere. Basically, all I'm hearing is "i heard it from a friend whooo, heard it from a friend, whoo, heard it from another...." Bottom line is SO WHAT? If you want to keep your passport in the safe, cool. If someone else wants to carry theirs, cool. There is no reason to disparage or intimidate people who don't do as you desire.

Opinion? or documented fact? If documented fact, please provide a link. Otherwise, I'll have to assume an opinion. Which is okay and I respect your opinion. I just feel that those of us who do decide to carry should be respected also

OP, I've been on this board since it was an AOL only chat room. Your question is a question that will never have a consensus. Do what YOU want to do. Some are adamant and will die on the hill that THEY are right and everyone else is wrong. Myself, Anytime I step on foreign soil, I have my passport with me. If others don't, that's okay by me .

Technically, you're correct. I take medication for high blood pressure. Medication hasn't changed in 3 or 4 years. Therefore, technically, I don't have a pre-existing condition. Let my doctor change my medication during an annual physical 4 weeks before my cruise and BAM!, I now have a pre-existing medical condition and my coverage is null and void. Any and all travel/medical insurance I purchase, I ensure I meet the conditions required to waive any pre-existing medical conditions.

Does anyone have experience with ItalyTours.eu outside of cruising and shore excursions. After our cruise, we are going back to Rome for 5 days. For 2 or 3 of those days, I would like to hire a professional tour guide. Yes, many places one can do DYI, however, I've learned from past experience that having a knowledgeable guide will be able to add just a little more flavor and information that an audio guide just can't deliver.

To those who replied, Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

We are currently planning our trip to Venice, Barcelona, & Rome next year. The trip includes a 10-night cruise on the NCL Breakaway. Searching for things to do in ports, we see that Split, Croatia and Dubrovnik, Croatia are both listed as "May Be A Tender" port, whereas Cannes, France is definitely listed as a tender port. So, my question is about Spilt and Dubrovnik. Who or what determines if these stops will be tender. If they are a tender port, does the port have contracted tenders? Or does the ship use its own lifeboats for tender purposes. Why am I asking? We like to do private excursions. If a port is a tender port though, ship excursions have priority off the ship. So, just asking for planning purposes. (Plus the fact that the "Free At Sea" does include a small credit towards a shore excursion, so might as well use this credit during a tender port.)

Just to share, the backpack you are looking at just screams HEY PEOPLE WHO PICKPOCKET! HERE I AM!!. I use a crossbody bag with security features. I'm still susceptible to pick pocketers,,,,,,,, unless I'm standing next to you😁