klfrodo
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Everything posted by klfrodo
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If OP wants to truely understand the NCL Air program, or any of the cruise line offered air programs, check out the link at the Cruise Air threads here on CruiseCritic. The thread is old, but the information provided is still applicable today. Basically it's a consolidator air program. You can save money and most of the time it can work out fine. But there are downsides to the programs that could come back to bite you in the wazzu. I just ask that you educate yourself, and then do what works best for you.
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Basically, the Free at Sea is a marketing strategy. Nothing is "free". The base price is bumped up to offer these "Free at Sea" options, however, these options are very basic. These basic options will satisfy many of the more experienced cruisers. However, if you desire a more enhanced experience, you'll find that you'll need to reach a little deeper into your pocket and just upgrade your internet package and drink packages. Don't even get me started on the Air package.
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Well, you are a reliable source. 🤣 Thanks for sharing. is this limited to “World Cruises”? Or are you finding the same thing with the more standard cruises that are less than 14 days.
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Please share a link to this reliable source that port fees and taxes are no longer refundable. I was of the same opinion as you.
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Had my first experience with Digital ID this past week. Let me start by saying that myself? I embrace technology. There are usually some pitfalls when first introduced, but in the long run, it improves day to day activities. The application I used is called Airside. I came across it on my Alaska Airlines app after I booked a trip to Cabo. I had never heard of Airside and actually had not heard of Digital ID. For the Alaska Airlines flight to Cabo, AS indicated that if we downloaded the Airside App and submitted our travel documentation (ie Passport) there would be no need to physically present our passports prior to boarding the plane. (The Airside app sends verification to AS 72 hours before the flight). I'm thinking, "how in the hell does this work?" Well,,, what I "think" I have come to understand is that Airside is an approved Digital ID (from Homeland Security??) to share digitally your data with the new facial recognition programs used at airports and probably other places. I've recently learned that using this Digital ID can be used at TSA checkpoints rather than using your DL or passport and will be RealID Compliant as long as the document in the Digital ID app that you use to create the QR code is RealID Compliant. There are a few things about this technology that makes one question the usefulness, but as time and improvements are made, in a few of years it could obsolete the hard copy passport.
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OBC cannot be assigned to a specific expense. It’s just a credit to your account. Whatever expense hits your account first will subtract from the credit. But yes, if the gratuities hit your account while there is still a credit, the gratuities will subtract from the credit.
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Most likely Marco Polo. 98% sure. 2% remaining for disclaimer
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Travel Agent vs. Travel Insurance Broker?
klfrodo replied to napria's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
My opinion and personal experience only. My TA sells insurance. And makes a small commission. But, after 10 to 15 years following this particular board, I can guarantee that I know more about the intricacies of travel insurance than my TA does (not to say I know it all. I still get confused a few times.). If questioned about is this covered? is that covered? the response would be to call the insurance company. If asked do I file a claim under trip delay or trip interruption? They wouldn't know. What they do know is that having travel insurance is important. The next question is probably why I use the TA then. Because they are friends and treat us like family. GREAT on the travel/pricing/OBC/follow-up departments. Just weak on the travel insurance department. So, my opinion is the broker who can guide you to the coverage that is most important to you and your needs. A good broker will also be just a phone call away to assist if needed when filing a claim. -
Dear Steve Dasseos, I have a question
klfrodo replied to newcruzer2's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
Calling @iamtrustworthy to the white courtesy phone please. -
Thinking out loud, a little help please.
klfrodo replied to KyleClark's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
That's how I do it. Then again, my State allows this. YMMV depending on the regulations set forth in "Soprano Land". I also choose to risk the cancellation, etc. I do choose the trip cost at $500. If I run into a Trip Delay or a Trip Interruption situation (which I have), then I am covered up to 150% of trip cost. Thats enough to pick up a hotel, uber, and a few meals while we wait for our next available flight. -
newbie insurance question for our 1st cruise in life
klfrodo replied to sharon_pei's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
too vague of a question. What is their definition of medical evacuation and are these alleged requirements for evac from sea or evac from a land based facility to another land based facility? -
newbie insurance question for our 1st cruise in life
klfrodo replied to sharon_pei's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
International maritime treaties and law. When I say medical evacuation from the ship, I'm speaking of when a helicopter airlifts a patient from the ship while at sea. These are always done by a nations coast guard or navy. An ambulance ride from the ship while at port to the local hospital will cost money but, in this instance, (a person from the US who has normal health insurance and is in US territory) the health insurance will cover it. Maybe we can summon @chengkp75 for a more expert explanation regarding ship at sea ambulance airlift and the treaties involved. -
The Win/Loss Statement worked fine for me to offset my winnings as Earned Income as stated on my W2G. This was over 10 years ago though.
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Travel Insurance - Book with Cruise Line or Independent
klfrodo replied to bronweis's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
I go 3rd party only. The cruise line policy is too low and if you need help, you're on your own. They won't help when it comes time to file a claim. I can only speak of my TA, they don't have a basic understanding of the policy they sell and wouldn't be of any help if I asked them if I should file under Trip Delay or Trip Interruption. Also, the coverage is too low in my opinion. By going 3rd party (Steve at TripInsuranceStore), he has access to a few different policies that best fit my needs and when it comes time to file a claim, he will gladly assist. He's also been known to intercede on his clients behalf with the insurance company to help clear up any misunderstanding. -
newbie insurance question for our 1st cruise in life
klfrodo replied to sharon_pei's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
I'm going to take a different approach. First, let me say that I agree with every fiber of my being that what has said been said above is true and correct. I approach sailing from Vancouver differently than any other cruise or trip. This is because I'm making an assumption that this is for an Alaska cruise, and I fully understand that my opinion only works for me. (If this is a 7-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii, I might consider the same approach) My opinion is based on my thoughts that travel insurance is a tool to help me share risk of potential financial hardship. With that being said, I'm in a position in life where I can absorb the cost of missing a cruise. I can absorb that $5 to $10K loss. It will hurt and I might have some explaining to do with my spouse, but it won't bankrupt me. Medical could cause financial devastation, however, in this instance (Alaska Cruise) I weigh my risks. My Health Insurance/Medicare works in Alaska. I choose to risk the miniscule amount of time I'm in Canada. Evacuation from the ship is at no cost to the patient. If I need evacuation from (Ketchikan let's say) to either Anchorage or Seattle for medically necessary care, my health insurance will pick up the costs. (I also have Medjet Assist for anytime I'm more that 150 miles from home). With all that being said, I 100% self-insure my Alaska cruises. Every other cruise, (Caribbean and European) I do purchase a 3rd party policy from Steve at TripInsuranceStore to help mitigate any unexpected expenses. -
Living on the west coast but always sail from the east coast, we always spend the night before flying home. Allows us to relax and take our time getting off the ship, maybe do some sightseeing, check into the hotel, catch a nice dinner, then catch a good nights sleep before catching the early 6 hour flight home.
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For those who live or frequently visit Rome. How is tourism going to be affected by 2025 being a Jubilee year? We are cruising in 2025. Our post cruise plans currently have us spending an additional 4 to 6 days in Rome. (Early September timeframe) Can I expect that with the additional number of people of the Catholic faith making the pilgrimage to Rome and The Vatican be of concern when arranging tours and hotel stays?
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Passenger Vessel Services Act/Jones Act
klfrodo replied to HALrunner's topic in Ask a Cruise Question
Ill wait for the expert to jump in. Calling @chengkp75 -
How do able bodied persons handle accessible excursions?
klfrodo replied to klfrodo's topic in Disabled Cruise Travel
Yes -
We are a retired group of 6. One of us is in a wheelchair and the other 5 are not. Of course, we want to hang together with our travel mates on an excursion, but seeing as how accessible excursions are limited in space, I don't want to take up valuable space and maybe someone who needs this service isn't able to because 4 able bodied persons are taking up space. Does my question make any sense?
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Question about insurance for cruise booked with voucher
klfrodo replied to RobC1116's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
My airline of choice, Alaska Air, has never had a problem just rebanking my miles if I need to cancel. But, that could be because I have elite status with the airline. -
Question about insurance for cruise booked with voucher
klfrodo replied to RobC1116's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
I believe @iamtrustworthy corrected me and stated that there are a couple of policies that may be able to help you. Give Steve a call at Get the Best Trip Insurance Details, Advice (tripinsurancestore.com) and see what he says -
Question about insurance for cruise booked with voucher
klfrodo replied to RobC1116's topic in Cruise/Travel Insurance
With the "voucher" you have $0 cost to insure. Side note: I completely understand what you're trying to say, but in the insurance world, your voucher has 0$ value. Just like when you book a flight using miles. The miles themselves have 0 value. As a matter of fact, when you fly using miles, the airline considers you a non-revenue passenger. That doesn't mean that you can't purchase a travel insurance policy, which you should do now that you're booked, so you can get the medical and evac coverage. You just won't be able to recover the cost of the cruise should you cancel. -
Backpack left on in Stateroom 2400 Venezia
klfrodo replied to Lilfeat's topic in Carnival Cruise Lines
Did Op file a claim with their travel insurance for lost/misplaced/stolen baggage? -
I do have Medjet Assist as a side backup alternative. Fortunately, I've not had to use it. A couple of requirements are that you have to be more than 150 miles from home, and you must have been admitted as an Inpatient at a "hospital". Clinic won't do. And there must be a serviceable airport nearby. Have heard of a couple of disgruntled users where 1 was on a remote island that didn't have an airport nearby and another who was in a remote location who clearly needed evacuation but there were no "hospitals", only clinics and no licensed professional medical doctors. I can clearly understand the frustrations regarding the second example, but for me, I don't foresee my fat arse being that adventuresome or remote. 🤣