8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 1/9

• Hi, allan jason o Profile

o Contactso Account Info

o You are signed in as: baks232002• Sign Out

• Help

Trending: Tiger Woods

• Yahoo!• Mail

• My Yahoo!• News

• Finance• Sports

Search Web Search• Finance Home• Investing

o Market Overviewo Market Statso Stockso Mutual Fundso ETFso Bondso Optionso Industrieso Currencies NEW!o Education

• News & Opinion o Marketso Investing Ideaso Expert Adviceo Special Editionso Company Financeso Providers

• Personal Finance o Banking & Budgetingo Career & Worko College & Educationo Family & Homeo Insuranceo Loanso Real Estateo Retiremento Taxes

• My Portfolios o Quotes o New PortfolioMarketTracker

• Tech Ticker

þÿ

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 2/9

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 3/9

mechanical problem, the line will issue some kind of onboard credit or refund. They're usually prettygenerous and "you don't have to fight with them like you would with an airline," says Gorfain.

3. "This Ship Is a Health Hazard -- It's Just Crawling With Viruses."

Cruise ships are an ideal breeding ground for germs: thousands of people in close proximity, eating food

made in the same kitchen, inhabiting enclosed spaces that just a few days before housed someone else.In December 2002, the norovirus made waves in the media after a series of outbreaks on HollandAmerica, Disney and Carnival lines, in which hundreds of passengers were infected. The problem has notdisappeared. Fifteen cruise ship outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (as defined by 3% or more of passengers having been diagnosed) were recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) in 2009, down from 23 in 2007.

The CDC posts outbreaks on its web site. But this information accounts for only a portion of outbreaksworldwide because the CDC monitors only ships that include a U.S. port in their itinerary. Short of remaining ashore, the best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soapand water, the CDC says.

4. "Sure, We Can Take Care of Your Plane Reservations, but You'd Do a Whole Lot Better on Your Own."

Many cruise lines offer to book customers' airfare, with the guarantee that -- should there be a flight delay-- they'll hold the ship or fly them to the next port. But customers pay a premium for this security. MikeCordelli, a manager of information systems in New York City, has been on a dozen cruises and says hehas had the cruise line book his plane tickets about half the time, but only after checking other availablefares. "You often don't get to choose a flight, you may end up with some fairly lousy connections, stuff likethat," Cordelli says. On several occasions he has saved enough money by booking on his own to arrive ina port city a day early and spend the night in a hotel.

Booking airfare independently will be cheaper most of the time, says Gorfain. But when the cruise linesbook it, they will oversee the flight. That means if there are weather delays and you miss the ship, thecruise, in tandem with the airline, will arrange to get passengers to the next port of call, he says.

5. "Think Everything's Included? Think Again."

In 2009, Carnival brought in 76% of its cruise-related revenue through fares. The source of the other 24%? According to the company's annual report, "on board and other." If this seems like a largepercentage for an industry that often claims its packages are "all inclusive," that's because only the basicsare covered in the price of most cruises. You get most food, entertainment and coffee. You have to payup for alcohol, merchandise, spa services and pictures. "All of these things are optional, but it's hard notto spend money on a cruise because you are a captive audience," says Oivind Mathisen, editor of CruiseIndustry News. One way to save on booze: Most vessels advertise daily drink specials. If you're travelingwith children, find out if your ship offers "soda packages" that include unlimited soda during the cruise for about $30 for a week.

Another significant expense for passengers is tipping the staff. Many cruise lines have begun charging afixed gratuity for restaurant and custodial service, set at an average of $10 per guest, per day. A CruiseLines International Association spokesperson said the amount varies by cruise line, and that passengerscan almost always alter the percentage on request.

6. "Our 'Gourmet' Food Is Anything But."

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 4/9

Cruise lines are quick to tout the "fine dining" available on their ships, but in most cases the label is amisnomer. Typically, the kitchen staff knows about how many entrées will be needed, so they preparethat much in advance and finish it when the diners arrive. This is obviously different from what a fine-dining restaurant does, where the dish is cooked to order. The cruise food may not be on par with "a five-star restaurant, but it's close to a four-star," says Gorfain. Some large ships often provide alternative,specialty restaurants that do cook to order, but this special treatment comes at a price -- one that isn'tincluded in the cost of the cruise.

As Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010 , explains, "It'seconomics. If you don't charge enough money for cruises, you have to lower the quality of the food andother aspects. It's a question of balance -- or go out of business." Ward says the smaller, reservations-only restaurants that cost extra on the major lines use premium ingredients, but they can charge up to anextra $30 per person per meal (plus wine). The bottom line: If eating well is important to you, be preparedto pay extra.

7. "We Make Money While You're Off the Ship, Too."

Most cruises offer "shopping lectures" before docking in a port and hand out store maps to passengers.This service is usually provided by one of two contractors: the PPI Group and Onboard Media. Both firms

promote only stores that pay for ads and pass on a portion of that revenue to the cruise lines. The storespay an advertising fee -- an arrangement disclosed to guests in writing.

Once a ship docks, passengers can either explore on their own or join a port excursion, in which they'reshepherded via bus to beaches, historic landmarks and shopping areas. Excursions, which are notincluded in the cost of the cruise, are a "huge moneymaker" for cruise lines, according to Klein. "One of the biggest ways you can save money is to not get drawn into [them]," he says.

Cordelli echoes the advice. Although he says excursions are sometimes helpful, especially in non-English-speaking countries, he adds that "it makes little sense to pay the cruise line four or five timeswhat a taxi would cost you to get to a beach on St. Thomas, for example."

8. "Our Insurance? You're Better Off Looking Elsewhere."

When traveling abroad, comprehensive medical insurance is a must. Unfortunately, coverage variesgreatly from policy to policy: Some plans cover international trips of limited length, while others (likeMedicare and Medicaid) provide little or no overseas coverage. Passengers can buy supplementaryinsurance through their cruise line, but such policies have holes. "As soon as you step off the ship[independent of an excursion], you're no longer covered," Ward says. An outside policy makes moresense and is often less expensive. Ward advises a policy specifically designed for cruises and warns,"Make sure it includes emergency evacuation insurance," in case of a serious medical problem.

Web sites like InsureMyTrip.com allow users to compare plans that are often better and cheaper thanthose offered by cruise lines. For example, at press time, Holland America's medical coverage, includedin one of its Cancellation Protection Plans, has a $10,000 illness and $50,000 emergency evacuationmaximum, and averages around $160 per passenger (depending on the fare). By contrast, the CSATravel Protection Plan covers trip cancellation and provides $250,000 in illness coverage and $1,000,000in evacuation expenses for just over $70. The bottom line: It's worth your time to shop around.

9. "Our Ads Might Say Champagne and Caviar, but Expect Beer and Pretzels."

New cruise lines are sprouting up all the time, many of which cater to niche interests. But be careful: Youmay not get the experience you expect, so it's important to choose a cruise that fits your style.

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 5/9

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 6/9

Loan Type Today Last Week5/1 ARM 4.07% 4.06%3/1 ARM 4.55% 4.54%

• Source: Bankrate • Home Equity

Loan Type Today Last Week$30K Home Equity Loan 8.29% 8.25%$50K Home Equity Loan 8.24% 8.21%$75K Home Equity Loan 8.28% 8.24%$30K HELOC 5.14% 5.17%$50K HELOC 4.86% 4.89%$75K HELOC 4.86% 4.89%

• Source: Bankrate • Savings

Savings Type Today Last Week6 month CD 0.87% 0.88%1 year CD 1.28% 1.30%

3 year CD 2.05% 2.06%MMA 0.84% 0.88%$10K MMA 0.95% 0.97%$25K MMA 1.14% 1.16%

• Source: Bankrate • Auto

Loan Type Today Last Week36 Month New Car Loan 6.27% 6.38%48 Month New Car Loan 6.41% 6.51%60 Month New Car Loan 6.45% 6.54%72 Month New Car Loan 6.03% 6.03%36 Month Used Car Loan 6.82% 6.96%48 Month Used Car Loan 6.66% 6.86%

• Source: Bankrate • Credit Cards

Card Type Today Last WeekBusiness Credit Cards 11.32% 11.32%Low Interest Credit Cards 12.17% 12.17%Cash Back Credit Cards 12.54% 12.56%Balance Transfer Credit Cards 12.72% 12.71%Reward Credit Cards 13.76% 13.77%Airline Credit Cards 14.17% 14.17%

• Source: CreditCards.com

View rates in your area

Sponsored by:Experian - 700 is a Good Credit Score. See yours Now - $0

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 7/9

MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

• HP and Tesco Sign Agreement to Roll Out HP ML1000D Dry Lab Technology Across All Tesco

Extra Stores Business Wire - Sat, Feb 20 - 12:01am ET

• Indie Game Challenge Winners Announced PR Newswire - Sat, Feb 20 - 12:01am ET

• Canadian Dollar Benefits from its Fundamentally Stable Position Daily FX - Fri, Feb 19 - 11:22pm ET • Forex Weekly Trading Forecast - 02.22.10 Daily FX - Fri, Feb 19 - 10:52pm ET

View more popular articles

MORE FROM YAHOO! SOURCES

•

•

•

•

•

•

SPONSORED LINKS

Days INN I-10 West Galleria Houston TXFree Wireless Internet, Free Continental Breakfast. Close to Downtown.www.daysinni10west.com

Nature's Variety Pet FoodMetro Pet offers premium quality natural pet products such as Nature Variety prairie food and treats. FastShipping And Discounted Pricing.www.metropetservices.com

Boulders Golf ResortPlan Your Golf Vacation By Experts Get an Custom On-Line Tirip Quote.www.Phoenix-GolfTrips.com

China Travel and ToursTour operator offers tour packages to China including popular cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, and

Hong Kong. Also offers Yangtze river cruises.www.asiaconnecttours.comCheap Airfare To India

Discount fare to any city in India from USA. Bombay, madras, bangalaore, delhi.www.flymeindia.com

Greece Vacation PackagesCruise Vacation Honeymoon Packages with personal service.www.easytraveller.gr

• Banking & Budgeting

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 8/9

• Career & Work• College & Education• Family & Home• Insurance• Loans• Real Estate• Retirement• Taxes• TOOLS

CalculatorsExpertsGlossaryRatesHow-to Guides

• ALSO ON Y! FINANCEMutual FundsBondsCurrencyBusiness VideosStock Research

YAHOO! FINANCE• Banking & Budgeting• Currency• Calculators• ETFs• Experts• Investing• Insurance• Market Stats• Message Boards• Mobile•

Personal Finance• What's New

ALSO ON YAHOO!• Autos• Finance• Games• Groups• Health• Hot Jobs• Mail• Maps•

Movies• Music• My Yahoo!• News• Shopping• Sports• Tech• Travel• TV

8/9/2019 Cruise Lines Wont Tell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cruise-lines-wont-tell 9/9

• Video» All Y! Services

THINGS TO DO• NEW! Read Our Blog• Report Problems• Check Stock Quotes• Finance on your phone• Check Home Values• Find a New Car • Search Jobs Across the Web

Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. | Copyright/IPPolicy | Terms of Service | Help | Send Feedback

NOTICE: We collect personal information on this site. To learn more about how we use your information, see our Privacy Policy | About Our

Ads

Historical chart data and daily updates provided by Commodity Systems, Inc. (CSI) . International historical chart data and daily updates

provided by Morningstar, Inc . Fundamental company data provided by Capital IQ . Quotes and other information supplied by independent

providers identified on the Yahoo! Finance partner page . Quotes are updated automatically, but will be turned off after 25 minutes of

inactivity. Quotes are delayed at least 15 minutes. Real-Time continuous streaming quotes are available through our premium service. You

may turn streaming quotes on or off. All information provided "as is" for informational purposes only, not intended for trading purposes or

advice. Neither Yahoo! nor any of independent providers is liable for any informational errors, incompleteness, or delays, or for any actions

taken in reliance on information contained herein. By accessing the Yahoo! site, you agree not to redistribute the information found therein.

Yahoo! Answers is provided for informational purposes only, and no Q&A is intended for trading or investing purposes. Yahoo! shall not be

responsible or liable for the accuracy, usefulness or availability of any Q&A information, and shall not be responsible or liable for any trading

or investment decisions based on such information. View Complete Answers Disclaimer .

•