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- Ready to set sail for a warm-weather destination?
The Cruise Lines International Association is forecasting a year of formidable growth, with 12.62 million cruise passengers predicted to embark this year -an increase of approximately half a million passengers from 2006.
Following are some tips for an enjoyable trip, from expert Fran Golden, a frequent contributor to Cruisecritic.com:
* Don't miss the boat; book your flight for early arrival. If possible, book your flight to arrive at least one day before cruise departure. Take direct flights to limit the chance of flight cancellations and delays. To ensure you make your return flight, book a flight that departs at least four to five hours after your cruise arrives back in port.
* Purchase travel insurance.
Travel insurance will reimburse your deposit and other nonrefundable expenses if you cancel your trip due to illness or other covered reasons. Also, if you get sick at sea, your health insurance most likely won't cover you, but travel insurance will - even if you have to be medically evacuated off the ship to a nearby hospital.
Most experts recommend purchasing travel insurance from a third party provider such as Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com), rather than directly from the cruise line. That way you're covered for your entire trip, including airfare to and from your point of departure and shore excursions - not just the portion you book through the cruise line. Travel Guard plans offer coverage for trip cancellation, interruption and delay; lost or delayed baggage; missed airline connections; and emergency medical expenses.
* Make copies of travel documents. Make two copies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards before leaving home. Leave one set of copies in a safe place on your ship. If the ship's purser holds your passport, carry the passport copy ashore with you. Leave the other copies with a friend or family member at home.
* Bring your numbers. Bring the phone numbers to a travel agent or the travel assistance hot line of your travel insurance provider. This will be your lifeline to helping you through all kinds of unpredictable situations such as flight delays or cancellations and medical emergencies.
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