Last Thursday, 27 September, we docked in San Diego after a four night cruise from Vancouver on HAL's MS Statendam. We were off the ship and through immigration, baggage claim and customs by 8:15AM. We walked from the Broadway Pier (the newest cruise ship facility) to the Santa Fe Station arriving about 8:30AM. We checked one bag and waited for boarding to begin on NB Pacific Surfliner 769.
We noticed people starting to line up outside so went out to join them. At first we went to the end of the line and then realized that there was another, much shorter, line for Business Class.
Boarding began at about 9:10AM and we had an on time departure at 9:24AM. I was surprised that this train stops at Old Town. I don't remember being on a Surfliner that made that stop.
The car we were in had the "new" seats that do not recline. Instead, the seat bottom cushion and seat back slide forward. The advantage is that you never have anyone reclining into your lap. A disadvantage is that the bottom seat cushion seems to be angled so you feel as if you are sliding out of the seat. These seats also have the, for want of a better word, "knobs" that make moving through the car when it's moving much easier. Instead of grabbing someone's seat back you just grab the knob.
Generally the Business Class car was full the entire trip to SBA. There were quite a few business men and women on the SAN/LAX sector and they, for the most part, carried on non-stop VERY IMPORTANT cell phone conversations. It would be nice to have a quiet car as they do on some Eastern trains.
This was our first experience with an e-ticket. No problem at all having it scanned by the small, hand held device the Conductor had. He said it will also read the image on a Smart Phone.
We were pretty much onetime all the way to the Sea Cliff siding just south of Carpinteria. We were pulled over there for the SB train and arrived in SBA just a few minutes late.
We were surprised to find that the Western half of the parking lot at SBA is closed and torn up for a storm drainage project. No estimates have been given on how long this will take but it seriously affects long term parking at that facility.
All in all the crews did their jobs efficiently and were pleasant in their interactions with passengers. We didn't go to the Cafe Car having had four days of great meals on HAL. We were pleasantly surprised to find that HAL does full breakfast service (Main Dining Room, Buffet and Room Service) on disembarkation day. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean do not.
Frank in very WARM and sunny SBA
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Interesting report, Frank. California - and other states - really seem to provide a consistently good service.
That SBA parking lot was torn up when we were there in early August. I guess that's progress.
Not being a regular cruise rider, I do wonder why passengers must be packed and off the ship so early in the morning. I guess it has to do with ship turnaround, but couldn't they depart later in the evening? It would seem a leisurely breakfast would be a more relaxing way to end a trip.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
That just goes to show you how often I get down to that part of town! I swear they did this same project about five years ago.
They usually do have to turn the ship pretty quickly. About 500 pax were getting off in SAN to be replaced by 600 or so headed for the Panama Canal and Fort Lauderdale. Since we were in a Suite we had a fourth choice for breakfast -- the Pinnacle Grill. We chose Room Service instead because we wanted to sleep in a bit longer. They were there right on time as they were each time we used them. Oddly, HAL doesn't call before arriving. Both Celebrity and RCCL do which gives you a couple of extra minutes to put yourself together or for one person to hide in the bathroom!
Frank in dark and still warm SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Those new Surfliner seats are a bit strange. I sat in them on National Train Day two years ago when they had a refurbished car on display. I was wondering what it would be like on a moving train, because it did feel like I was about to slide off the seat and we were just sitting in the station! I do like those big grab handles--that was a great idea.
Cell phones.....ugh......it drives me bonkers. I'm out of town right now (or as GBN would say, "From the Universal Hilton in Universal City, CA), and yesterday while I was at the gate waiting for my plane, I couldn't believe how many people were yakking on their phones. Why do they talk so loud? Don't they know that EVERYONE around them is "in" on their conversation, and we really don't want to be???? I just laughed and shook my head---knuckleheads.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Yes, I don't understand why peeople think they have to talk 50 decibels louder on their cell phones than they would on a normal land-line phone. My wife does that too.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
I generally do not enjoy telephone conversations..... cell or otherwise. I am amazed at the number of people who always seem to be on the phone everywhere.
Email and forums such as this scratch my itch to converse fine. So does 'in-person' conversation.
Too much of my working life has been tied to being at the beckon call of a ringing telephone.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Exactly, David! I am not a phone talker either. I think it's because I spent so much time on the phones as a 911 dispatcher that I've had enough. Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
You should be OK for an 11:00AM flight. Be sure to ask for an early departure, though. Will you be handling your own bags? Those people were off the ship at 7:00AM while we were just beginning to enjoy our Room Service Breakfast.
We were in group Red One and were scheduled to be off the ship between 7:45AM and 8:00AM and they started calling the group at 7:40AM.
Immigration was relatively fast. They do NOT have Global Entry. How are they handling the "foreign port" on your Hawai'i cruise? Will you go to Ensenada at some point in the itinerary?
And, yes, HAL does have transfers to the airport. You can literally see the airport from the ship so it's not going to be a long ride.
I hope that helps.
Frank in overcast and blessedly cool SBA
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: Sbalax, do incoming HAL ships tie up in San Diego in time for passengers to make 11 AM flights? Does the San Diego arrival have special buses to take passengers to the airport early (as HAL did in Vancouver for the Alaska trips)?
Thanks!
We recently met 3 ladies here in San Franciso that were on a cruise. These crazy gals were from my wife's home church and I have known them casually for 40 years. When we got to the pier (firstly it was Pier 35, not Pier 39 as advertized) we were told that immigration and customs could take up to 3 hours. For these ladies 2 hours was about what it was. There was also a fairly long walk for them from ship to where we were allowed to wait.
There were busses waiting for the organized tours. Taxis were insufficient. Just for the information of those that would be coming into SF, the Embarcadero trolley (Route F, using refurbished streetcars from anywhere and everywhere, has a stop right in front of Pier 35, fare $2.00 for under 65 and 75 cents for over 65. The 8 or 8X bus that will get you to Chinatown has a stop, its origin point about a block away.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
George--
Isn't Pier 39 the one with all the restaurants? I think Pier 35 has always been the one used by cruise ships in San Francisco. It's pretty primitive as far as facilities go. I believe there is a plan to build a true, dedicated cruise terminal.
I'm surprised that the cruise line didn't do a better job of coordinating the immigration process. When we arrived in San Diego every passenger and crew member (even those staying on for the next segment) had to go through immigration. HAL did a great job of scheduling departures so there was never (at least while we were there) much of a backup.
The "F" line trolleys are wonderful to ride but do get crowed very quickly. One trick we learned was to walk to the previous stop to board instead of fighting the crowd at Pier 35.
Frank in sunny and cooler SBA.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
The Jones Act does not allow foreign flagged ships (HAL's ships are registered in Rotterdam although the company is part of Carnival Corp. and headquarters are in Seattle!) to carry passengers between two U.S. ports without a stop in a foreign port. Hence, your stop in lovely Ensenada. I would stay on board.
When we took Celebrity Millennium to Hawai'i four years ago we were bussed from San Diego to check in and board in Ensenada even though the ship had been in San Diego that morning. We went through U.S. Customs and Immigration while moored off of Lahaina, Maui.
Frank in sunny and cooler SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Interesting--I never knew about that law.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
quote:Originally posted by sbalax: George--
Isn't Pier 39 the one with all the restaurants? I think Pier 35 has always been the one used by cruise ships in San Francisco. It's pretty primitive as far as facilities go. I believe there is a plan to build a true, dedicated cruise terminal.
Pier 39 was what they told us before we went to meet then. I thought "where" when they told us, as you are absolutely right. Pier 39 is entirely restaurants adn other tourist traps.
quote:I'm surprised that the cruise line didn't do a better job of coordinating the immigration process. When we arrived in San Diego every passenger and crew member (even those staying on for the next segment) had to go through immigration. HAL did a great job of scheduling departures so there was never (at least while we were there) much of a backup.
We got the story that it was a problem with customs and immigration and the cruise line could do nothing about it. Whether that is true or not, I could not say, but having worked foreign for quite a few years, I could believe it. Invariably entering the US was the most trying of all entries.
quote:The "F" line trolleys are wonderful to ride but do get crowed very quickly. One trick we learned was to walk to the previous stop to board instead of fighting the crowd at Pier 35.
Frank in sunny and cooler SBA.
Did not look that bad, but that could also have been a result of the rate that the people came off. We walked over to Pier 39 first off, anyway.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Here's a link that gives some of the history of the Jones Act.
It was one of the factors that did in Norwegian Cruise Lines experiment in Hawai'i. They wanted to operate cruises entirely within Hawai'i without going to a foreign port (Fanning Island was the usual port of call.) so they formed a subsidiary company called Norwegian Cruises America.
At one time they had three ships including the largest, Pride of Hawai'i, which we sailed on. It operated only within Hawai'i and had the required mostly U.S. crew. The service levels were so low that it lasted only a year or so. Two other factors also contributed to its demise. It was too large for the market (although a beautiful ship) and there was, because of State of Hawai'i law, no Casino. It is now sailing mostly in Europe as Norwegian Jade.
They now operate only one ship and I'm not sure if it is back to making a foreign port call to avoid the Jones Act or continues with a mostly U.S. crew. They were starting to skirt the issue by hiring Guamanians.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Since we are on the subject, there once was a very big U.S flagged presence in shipping. For those interested in travel and the great ocean liner era I certainly recommend 'A Man and His Ship'.
It tells the fascinating story of William Francis Gibbs, a great naval architect, who grew up with the birth of the golden age of ocean liners. His lifelong ambition was to design the fastest and most stylish ocean liner. The story of his career (along the way he designed 70% of the ships used by the Navy in WWII), is well told and reminds me of the parallel story of the age of the railroad streamliners. Ultimately he created the fastest ship afloat, the SS United States.
But it succumbed to the jet airplane and high U.S. labor costs. The ship is now docked in Philadelphia (and visible for those traveling by on I-95). The ship was recently saved from the scrap heap (again) and plans are to convert it into a hotel. But, if it was put back into service as a U.S. flagged ship, it could certainly avoid that unnecessary stop at Ensenada.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Apparently one of the best views of the ship is from the Dining Room of the nearby IKEA store. A great ship and Swedish Meatballs, too!
Frank in cooling but still sunny SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Just in case anyone is Amtrak'ing this weekend and they have a bus transfer to San Francisco (or intend on visiting SF this weekend), LOOK OUT!! It is going to be absolutely insane. I won't get within 50 miles of that place this weekend. Here is what is happening all at once:
-Fleet Week -Blue Angels -America's Cup yacht racing -SF Giants playoff games -Italian Heritage Parade -TWO Princess cruise ships arriving/departing
They are anticipating well over a million people, and the street closures are intense. I was supposed to go out on Saturday on the USS Jeremiah O'Brien to watch the Blue Angels, but I just had to make a command decision and decided not to go. It's going to be nuts!! George H.--if you are actually "in" the city itself, look out...it's going to be one crazy weekend.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
If you can still change your plans I'd say go for it! Isn't San Francisco "The City That Knows How"?
Frank in dark and cool SBA
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
quote:Originally posted by sbalax: Smitty--
If you can still change your plans I'd say go for it! Isn't San Francisco "The City That Knows How"?
Frank in dark and cool SBA
Yes, I am in the city, and if this is "The City That Knows How" it is not too much in evidence.
I could go on with quite a few things to the contrary I have seen and experienced.
Saturday we will probably not get further away than walking distance from the apartment. We would like to see the Blue Angels, but not sure if we can manage it practically.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Of course it was President Taft who said that...
I'd still say go for it. Life is far too short. Grab it while you can.
Frank in dark and pleasantly cool SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Well, part of my decision not to go is something I neglected to mention: my back. I've got metal screws/rods/cages in my spine, and it's not always the most comfortable thing in the world. I somehow "tweaked' it last week and it has been giving me problems. I don't think I could handle 8 hours on a ship that probably does not have the best seating for something like this.
My buddy and his son (my Godson) will be there. They are planning on arriving at the SF parking garage at 0400! Then they'll snooze in the car until it's time to get on the ship. I guess that's one way to do it, but if I were going, I'd just take BART and then a very packed/crowded PCC to the pier.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
I'd forgotten about the back. Take it easy and get better. Are you doing any therapy for it?
I've been periodically bothered with a bad right knee ever since my surgery in January for a torn lateral meniscus. Therapy has helped tremendously but there are still bad days.
I found a great device at Magellan's. It's a cane with a seat that folds down. Wonderful for when you find yourself needing a place to sit or a little extra support. I took it on our last cruise and could have sold ten of them!
Frank in sunny but still cool SBA
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
The fold-down seat at Magellan's that Frank recommends is a wonderful device. Before my surgery I relied on it, because I couldn't stand without moving for more than a couple of minutes.
I still use it, mainly as a photographic tripod for my entire body. Sitting in it while tracking a bird in flight, for instance, dampens unsteady wiggliness and helps get good photos.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
Thanks for supporting a Santa Barbara based company. The two original owners were ex-Pan Am folks.
The "Sport Seat" is made by nice people in Texas and they will do custom sizes. I've found that the one I have is a little short to use for walking. I'm considering buying a new one and, for $5.00 additional, having it custom sized.
Frank in clear and cool SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
That's a neat device. Thanks---I'm going to place an order. I also can not stand for more than about 4 or 5 minutes, then I either have to start walking or find a place to sit down.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Smitty, you might find that the rubber tips on the legs are a little small and that one or more legs has a tendency to sink into soft ground. I took my Sport Seat to the hardware store and replaced the tips with larger rubber tips made for crutches. The weight gain is negligible and the tendency to sink into soft ground markedly reduced.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Thanks, Henry. That's a great tip!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
I did the same although just got the larger rubber tips that are made to fit canes. My problem was that the plastic tips that came on it were slippery on slick surfaces.
I use a bungee cord to attach it to my rolling tote when I don't need it to get around. They also make a carrying bag which I bought but have never used.
Frank in clear and cool SBA
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
Wonderful information. I don't have the back issues, but my wife does, so I am going to talk this thing over with her.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
"Thanks, Henry.," Smitty says. "That's a great tip."
No pun intended, I'm sure. (Ho ho guffaw gasp cough wheeze.)
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Funny how a thread about a trip on the Pacific Surfliner has morphed into a discussion about sports seats!
Actually, I too have one of those sports seats -- my mom and aunt both had one and used them quite a bit while they were still alive. They are handy, and both my wife and myself have used it now and then.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
Seems like these seats would be perfectly suited for playing bagpipes.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Hah! I totally missed the "tip" pun.
Posted by Iron Mountain (Member # 12411) on :
I love the good humor and witty repartee (redundant?) from the folks on Train Web.
I too suffer with a bad back. Too many years of back abuse. Never had surgery but have suffered much. Nonetheless I still manage a fairly physically active life. Lots of chiropractic, exercise, ice, and trying to learn not to overdo.
But to stay with the thread I see rail travel as essential for those of us whose chassis are dinged and dented from years of hard use. When I look at the demographics of the baby boomers (I'm too old to be one) I would think that the demand for an alternative, that being trains, to air travel and automoble travel would be great. I think that it will grow as the BB's continue to age. They vote.
Good information about accessories for aiding those of us with aching backs.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Hmmm -- I wonder if AMTRAK would let you use one of those sports seats in the Sightseer Lounge car of the CZ while traveling through the Rockies, if there are no regular seats available in the SL car..........
(trying to get back to a train topic with the sports seat discussion!!) Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
We've stayed at the Holiday Inn several times and I know Art and Vicki have as well. If you have a Bay View room it's nice to watch your ship come in in the morning and it's certainly convenient to the dock.
That said, on our last visit we found the place to be a little run down. Our room didn't have a "real" balcony but, instead, what is sometimes called a "French Balcony" and much of the hotel had been taken over by a convention.
I think next time we would look at the Hampton Inn or one of the other properties in the area.
We have also stayed at the Holiday Inn that is closer to the airport. It's a very comfortable hotel and they provide shuttle service to Amtrak, the port and the airport.
Frank in overcast and damp SBA
P.S. Instead of your AYE put in a Canadian eh and you've just about got it!
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
And here I thought it was pronounced Sandy Eggo.
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
It took me several minutes to work out where one of my wife's aunts was talking about when she said "San Jay-go" repeatedly. She has an accent, mind.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I will put in a vote for the Hampton Inn. I've stayed at both (Hampton and Holiday), and I concur with Frank that, unfortunately, the Holiday Inn is getting run down. It's in a really excellent location---I wish they would do a refurb on the property. But the Hampton Inn is a really nice place to stay, I think it's only three stories tall, they have a really nice free breakfast, free WiFi, and the outdoor pool faces the back (on either the 2nd or 3rd floor--I don't recall which) and it faces the RR tracks! You could hang out by the pool AND watch Amtrak go by. Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
I don't know. I've never really thought about that but it is a good question. My only experience with onboard medical care was a pretty good one even if it did mean having to leave the ship in Honolulu. The medical charges on the ship were right around $100.00 so I didn't even think about submitting a claim and they were later reimbursed when I filed a claim with the source of the staph infection.
This question might be better answered by contacting Medicare directly. I'd be very interested to hear their answer.
I have a blanket travel insurance policy that covers most medical expenses overseas.
BTW, the HAL ships are registered in Rotterdam where the headquarters was for many years.
Frank in sunny and breezy SBA
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Interesting how these Love Tubs play "musical chairs".
When I sailed on the s/s Rotterdam V (edit) "Trans-At", i.e. to get from New York to Southampton, during 1960, she was registered in Rotterdam. When I next sailed her for a cruise during 1979, I found that she was registered in Williamstadt NA. Now it appears that Carnival/Holland America is registering their vessels "back in the old country".
Mr. Kisor, I think your Due Dilligence regarding the matter you outlined was indeed prudent - especially in view of that you have reported here regarding your ongoing "health issues". Somehow, I'd be willing to place my bets that the insurance product Carnival is peddling is down there with Collision Damage Waiver and extended warranties.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Mr. Norman--
I think you mean Rotterdam V. Rotterdam IV was scrapped shortly after the end of WW II. Here's a link to the story of Rotterdam V. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Rotterdam She is now back in her homeport being used as a hotel.
The current Rotterdam is number 6 but, in practice, Holland-America doesn't use the numbers.
Frank in cloudy and cool SBA
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: Finally found the answer: Medicare does NOT cover medical costs incurred aboard cruises on foreign flagged liners. (It *might* cover costs incurred in American territorial waters, but the shipboard physician involved has to be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.)
Mr. Norman:
A few years ago, OK nearly 20 years ago, we considered bringing my mother over to Taiwan to live with us. At that point we found that Medicare would not pay for medical treatment outside the country. Her Supplemental insurance said they would. Turned out we did not do it. We were well satisfied with our own experiences with the doctors and hospitals there.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
I was not aware of the insurance limitations for cruise ships, but it doesn't matter, since I have only been on one cruise in my life, which was on an American line (Carnival) -- I doubt if I'll be on any more cruises, since my feelings about cruise ships are very similar to Mr. G. B. Norman's.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Henry, go to Insuremytrip.com. You will find many travel insurance plans there. In order to have preexisting covered you usually have to buy the insurance within 14-21 days of initial deposit. But there are a couple of plans that will allow you to buy later and cover preexisting. You do pay a bit more for those.
You can compare plans easily at that site.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by RRRICH: I was not aware of the insurance limitations for cruise ships, but it doesn't matter, since I have only been on one cruise in my life, which was on an American line (Carnival)
Rich, you were NOT on an American line. While Carnival Corporation (N-CCL) is a US corporation, its vessels are all registered (flagged) "off shore". That sovereignty has jurisdiction with their admiralty laws applying.
As I've noted around here, I am a mariner going way back serving in the Fairfield Navy during the '50's with my final "cruise" during 1983 (sail 1977). It was one thing to sail "Trans-At" back in days when ocean transport comprised some 50% of the market, as that was how you got there - just like train through, say, about 1955. But the "contrived merriment" of the Love Tub leaves me cold, however I once had a girlfriend who "loved the Love Boats"; so we went.
When passengers board a foreign flagged vessel (which essentially means any passenger carrying ocean-going vessel nowadays), they are stepping into a legal "no man's land'. There have been enough incidents that have made the headlines of late to bear that out - and the cruise lines use this "no man's land" to their advantage as they peddle their "tons of fun" product.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
Another good source of info on travel insurance is www.squaremouth.com . That site will let you compare a variety of offerings. We've used it several times when the travel agent didn't offer "free" insurance as part of the deal.
Frank in sunny SBA
Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :
quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: GBN, one thing I have discovered is that none of the travel health insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions. Having had a triple bypass a few years ago, I won't be covered if I have a heart attack on the treadmill in the Zaandam's fitness center.
Of course Obamacare makes it illegal to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, but this is a foreign flagged ship, not the United States.
I wonder how many geezers like me are unaware of the gotchas.
Henry, it may be too late for you now, but in the future keep in mind that many of the third party travel insurers (Travelex, Travel Guard) WILL cover pre-existing conditions IF you purchase your policy within 14 (or so) days of the time that you FIRST put down money on the trip. Their thinking is, apparently, that if you consider yourself healthy enough to spend money on the trip, you're probably healthy enough to make it. If you miss that window, though, then as you've found out they will NOT cover you for pre-existing conditions.
Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :
Here's the legalese from TravelEx's Travel Select policy, which I've purchased in the past:
quote:The following exclusion applies to the Medical Expense, Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Trip Delay coverages: We will not pay for loss or expense caused by or incurred resulting from: 1. a Pre-Existing Condition, as defined in the plan, including death that results therefrom. This Exclusion does not apply to benefi ts under covered expenses for emergency medical evacuation or repatriation of remains of the Medical Expense and Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Benefits coverage.
Waiver of the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion The Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion is waived provided you meet all of the following requirements: 1. the payment for this plan and enrollment form is received within 21 days of the initial Covered Trip deposit/payment for your Covered Trip; and 2. you are not disabled from travel at the time you makes your plan payment; and 3. you insure all prepaid Covered Trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions; and also insure the cost of any subsequent arrangements added to your Covered Trip within 21 days of the payment for those arrangements.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Henry, the Platinum Plan covers pre-existing conditions for cancelling your trip. But the insurance included with the cancellation plan does not. So you would not be covered for medical problems during the trip that are pre-existing.
Check out the options on Insuremytrip.com to find one that will cover you.
I just used the Platinum plan as my husband is ill and we are cancelling our cruise next week. But I read the insurance part of the plan, online, and saw that the medical coverage was not adequate. I should have bought one of the others like the one Eric is quoting.
I must say HAL was quick with the refund, took four days.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Miss Vickie, a speedy recovery to Mr. Art.
GBN
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Vicki, two private messages from me are awaiting you.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Replied Henry. Amazingly my request that I get an email when I have a private message worked!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vicki--
Congrats on post 777. Too bad you're not playing the slots.
We're sorry to hear about the cancelled cruise. That's always tough to do.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA where we are hosting Sapphire Princess today.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Frank, a friend of mine is on the Sapphire, hopefully seeing your beautiful city right now. Great weather here too.
At least it was post 777, not 666.
And thanks for the good wishes Gil. Art is stable but still incarcerated.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vicki--
We drove along the beach and then up State Street. It appeared that Princess had things well organized and so did the city.
I just saw that Celebrity Century will be here on three short cruises in April 2013. We'll miss her because we'll be on our way to Rome on Celebrity Reflection.
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