SECURITY

Feeling "Secure" or Mad about it?

I have a tiny pair of scissors....wait....HAD a tiny pair of scissors... that I travel with in my carryon.  Until recently no TSA Agent ever said a word.  Last vacation, for my flight home from Paris, they were taken from me.   Now understand...I have no problem that they were taken...I have a problem that I was mistreated.

This is a very common type of story one will hear and it is true from me.  If the scissors are too big feel free to remove them.  However, why is it then necessary to check everything I also have in the bag?  The X-ray lady didn't say anything about my eye shadow, compact, hairbrush, etc. but yet the other TSA lady decided that since my scissors were too large I must also be hiding something in my mascara????  It was ridiculous and I suppose it was some kind of punishment.

I just received an update about security changes: 

TSA officers will be asking travelers to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similarly to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image. Passengers will experience a bag check if they fail to follow this procedure, which will slow screening for them and everyone else on line. Through extensive testing, TSA identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear the bags and keep the public safe in the skies.  There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags. As always, TSA suggests passengers arrive to the airport two hours prior to their scheduled departure time to allow adequate time to navigate the ticketing, baggage and security screening processes.

Note: the new security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes. Travelers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear, or belts. The program allows TSA to focus resources on passengers who may pose a high risk to security while providing expedited screening to those travelers who have been identified as low-risk, trusted travelers.

Although the update was actually announced earlier this year,  it will raise a new level of complaints, just watch and see.  I hear people complain about the security lines, the time it takes and how terrible it is to have to get to the airport so early. Millennials today have no idea what is "used to be like" luckily...or they would have more to complain about...LOL.

Recently there was an article about video recordings on ships.  Some people say they are an infraction of their privacy.  Really?  There is no such thing as privacy. It just isn't feasible anymore.  Think of all this as a "bonus feature" and concentrate on feeling safer instead of anger about needing to wake up an hour earlier.  

In Paris, I had to remind myself...safer is better.  I should be happy they took my scissors as it let's me know someone is at least paying attention.  I should instead be worried that I was able to get on a plane probably 10 times before they were noticed :)

Bourbon Trail - a Man-cation..not a cruise!

Not a cruise - but a Man-cation - the BOURBON TRAIL

I should start by saying, I do NOT drink Bourbon.  Heck, I barely drink the hard stuff at all.  I am a red wine drinker and when I do drink booze, it is usually fruity or what my husband calls "foo-foo".  But, with five cruises booked and planned for the next 8 months, I figured I better go ahead and practice what I preached in my last blog:  Man-cation!  So, I booked and planned a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 

We had done part of the KBT before but last time we flew...this time we chose to drive, in case we wanted to bring some "liquid souvenirs" back. When we went last time we were part of the First Knob Creek Campout and had to ditch belongings to get our gifts home in our luggage.  That weekend is a whole other story mainly because I enjoy camping a whole lot LESS than I drink!

The drive is a very nice from Tampa area and is over before you know it.  Apart from the curvy roads in the mountains and my husband's fearless driving, I really enjoyed seeing the rivers, trees and old bridges. Please don't worry, my knuckles have returned to their natural color and are unclenched now! 

The distilleries are pretty much within a three hour circle so if you stay in Frankfort you are pretty much is the center and can get to most within an hour.  You could start at the east end and work across if you don't mind sleeping in a different place each night.  There is also an official "Bourbon Trail Passport" you can have stamped at each location and then send it in for a free t-shirt.  We were not willing to go to all the stops so we had to buy our own t-shirt.  I choose one from our first stop: Buffalo Trace.  My chosen shirt proudly proclaims "eat meat, drink buffalo".

Buffalo Trace notes:

1. Free tour and reservations do NOT have to be made.
2. The Blantons bottling part of tour is awesome!
3. You get to choose two tastings from their selection, plus a third sample of the Creme is given to you with "dessert".  
4. Excellant Bourbon Balls
5. The Buffalo Trace Creme is there for sale along with an extensive gift shop full of goodies.

Picture shows the loss over the years...alcohol abuse!  LOL

Jim Beam:

1. Make reservations ahead of time online.  Great tour, very informative and also a great decanter collection.
2. You can by a bottle of Knob Creek, watch it on the line and do your own thumbprint in the wax.  You can also pay a little extra to have this bottle etched.
3. This is the only tour that issues a tasting card good in their machines, your choice of three.  It also has the most selection of products to taste
4. Each guest receives a complimentary square shot glass souvenir.
5. Great property which even has a good BBQ lunch place.
   
   
   
   
   

Maker's Mark

1. Make reservations ahead of time online.  Another Santori property with a good tour, worth the drive even if it is a bit out there.  Make sure you watch your GPS:  one route takes you on a small backroads route!
2. Bourbon balls are "okay"
3. Another bottle experience...you can buy a bottle in the gift shop and do the wax dip yourself.  Nice gift shop.
4. We were there for the Chiluly art exhibit.  There is a large permanent one too.

Learn about the inserts and what makes this bourbon smoother! 

               

Wild Turkey

This is the tour that we added once we got there.  You did not need to make advanced reservations and I am so glad we decided to go.  I simply asked "Who is that gentleman signing bottles?"  So glad I got to meet awesome Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell.

Man-cations

Man-cations...Planning a Trip for the Guy in Your Life?

Yes..this is a "thing"!  Women, wives, friends, partners, sisters, etc...are all planning trips for the special guy in their life.  There was a recent survey done by a combo of men blogs/magazines to reveal the hottest trends in planning a vacation around a man.  Can you guess what the winner was?

1.  An Alaskan Cruise bundled with some adventurous land tour!  

• I personally would recommend Princess Cruise Lines for this!  A total of 10-15 nights of both luxury and adventure.  
• 7 nights of a wonderful relaxing cruise, paired with 3 to 8 nights on land.  
• Experience Alaska with their On-Your-Own, Denali Explorer or most popular Off-the-Beaten Path.
• and offering what no one else does — Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska rail service on most itineraries. Step directly off your Princess ship onto a waiting rail car that delivers you the very same day to your Princess Wilderness Lodge, without needless time spent in transfers. More time in the wilderness !

2.  A Golf-Trip in Florida

• Well, I live in Florida, in a 55+ Community with a lot of golfers including my husband.  This doesn't surprise me at all.
• Florida is home to more than 1,000 public and private golf course facilities, more than any other state in America.
• Florida has even more resorts so pairing a golf vacations with the sandy beaches and sunshine is a no-brainer.
• Did you know that Florida is host to the only all-inclusive ClubMed on the USA mainland?  Check out Sandpiper Bay - Club Med specializes in premium all-inclusive vacations packages for families – with absolutely no hidden costs.

3.  The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

• Funny this should come up...we are doing this next week!
• Kentucky has more to offer than the Kentucky Derby, although combining it with the Bourbon Trail would be a heck-of-a-good week.  And let's not even get started on the BBQ.
• Learn how to "chew" your bourbon and if not, you can at least enjoy the Bourbon Balls, eat some bbq and play a round of golf.

There are of course some other wonderful vacations on their lists.  Sport fishing in the Caribbean - paired with a cruise.....Tequila tasting - paired with a cruise... LOL.  I think you could find a cruise to go with just about everything.  I would like to accept the challenge anyhow!

Give me a call sometime and we can plan something special for the Man in your life!

The FUTURE of Embarkation when Cruising

Princess Cruise line, Innovating Embarkation and more

I recently attended a seminar and luncheon put on by our local BDM for Princess Cruise line.  Not only was I impressed with her knowledge and personality, but also with the news she shared with the Travel Agents present.

Have you heard about the new technology:  Ocean Medallion?

Each guest is mailed an Ocean Medallion about two weeks prior to their cruise that holds their unique digital identity and communicates with readers throughout each ship and in select ports. It allows the crew to know who you are and serve you better. Guests also can use the Ocean Medallion for payments, unlocking your stateroom door, speeding up embarkation and much more.  She recently got to experience this new technology herself and shared her experience which also includes enhanced interactions with crew members and guests (for example, a room attendant or bartender will have the ability to assist you with booking Spa services or specialty dining reservations). It will help Princess crew members to deliver what you want...where you want it.  Imagine ordering a drink or burger and having it delivered to you on the Lido deck!

Watch these videos:

https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ocean-medallion-class/

https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ocean-medallion-class/moments-videos/

The Ocean Medallion is a free, wearable device that you can even customize  with a choice of colors. It will also be laser-etched with your name, ship, and sail date.  While you must carry a Medallion while onboard, it’s up to you how much or how little you want to take advantage of the full experience.  


And more good news!  Security facts:

• It will also add another level of security as your photo will populate when the account is used.  The Ocean Medallion contains no personal information. Your Ocean Medallion is associated with your profile that contains your onboard security picture. If that picture does not match a guest when a purchase is being made or when someone other than the original guest is nearby, access will not be granted to a stateroom and purchases cannot be made.
• The Medallion holds your unique digital identity which is encrypted and communicates with thousands of sensors onboard and in port. 
• You can wear your Medallion as a wristband or pendant, or just keep it in your pocket.
• All information provided before and during your cruise will be encrypted and is not stored on your Ocean Medallion. The most advanced software security models, tools, and methods are fundamental to Ocean Medallion Class. However, any guest is also welcome to opt out of all services at any time.  If you do not want to take advantage of the full Ocean Medallion Class experience, you can switch your privacy setting to "Safety Only" and enjoy the cruise the same great way you do today.

Some other features:

• Streamlines and expedites the port embarkation and disembarkation process
• Allows you to access your stateroom as you approach the door (no keycard required)
• Locates friends and family around the cruise ship
• Enables you to purchase merchandise without any transaction, cards or paper
  
  I am excited to try this out...thinking of booking during the current "Sip and Sail" promo that includes the FREE beverage program.  Would you like to go?
  
  
  
  

AMA Bordeaux Cruise - Part Deux - Photos

Bordeaux Cruise - AMADolce Pictures

Rothschild Chateau

I have already added a blog about our River Cruise, but I thought it would be best to also add some highlighted photos.  We visited 8 Chateaus included in our cruise (no extra charges). We either arrived by walking, biking or Mercedes top class tour buses.

Passengers have their choice of excursions and excursion levels of difficulty.  There was definite something for everyone, every time! 

This picture shows our cabin set up.  Our twin beds were joined together to make a large Queen sized bed which was very comfortable. 

We also had two chairs and a small table which we turned in the other direction when we had the french balcony doors open.   

Desk with Apple computer (WiFi at no charge) and nice full length mirror on the outside of the bathroom.  This made it very easy for me to finish my hair and make-up while hubby was showering!  

          

Because the bathroom was configured on an angle, it seemed to have a lot more room.  It was very user friendly and the shower had multiple heads and extras...it was awesome!  

                                                                       

You don't even need me to brag about the food...it was the best ever!

The following are just some pictures off the ship.... to remind me of all the fun we had and places we went!

 

 

AMA Waterways - River Cruise on AmaDolce - AMAzing!

RIVER CRUISE !!!  Yes, I am shouting

Spoiler Alert:  Don't read if you never want to sail on a River Boat in Europe!

Well, we finally did it.  We braved the expensive and very long air flight to France.  The flight back and forth from a Europe cruise is really the only thing that stops most people.  It is a huge commitment to our wallet, time, patience and most of all, comfort.

AMA Waterways...where do I begin?  They are amazing from finish to end.

When we arrived in Bordeaux, two very well dressed, nice ladies met us upon luggage retrieval.  With smiles on their faces they took our tired and cramped bodies to a Mercedes and turned us over to a very nice, English speaking driver.  His cold bottled water felt good and the excitement started to rush through my veins.  We were "finally doing this"!

We got to the ship and we were greeted by the Dolce's staff who grabbed our luggage and took us onboard.  Ah...this is how boarding should be..no lines, no guns, screening, X-rays, etc.  We boarded directly into the main lobby.  Everyone we met was friendly, spoke great English and were very helpful.  The staff took us to our cabin just one deck up.  

Our cabin was a bit smaller than the ocean cruises we are used to but very well laid out.  We had a Mac computer/TV on the desk across from our Queen size bed. We immediately unpacked, using the shelves in the closet mostly, as the drawers in the desk are teeny. The suitcase fit under the bed and that is when we found the large sliding drawer under the bed! (not willing to redo everything, we used that for dirty clothes, purchases and items we were done with).  My favorite thing about our cabin (besides the Mac) was the bathroom.  So well laid out and the shower was awesome.

Our first night was the Captain's Party and meet and greet.  Captain Dany, young and gorgeous!  Our Cruise hostess, Annie and all the staff were introduced also.  Guests were dressed nice but not formal.  Champagne toasting and a great information was shared.  Our first dinner...amazing.  The service...amazing.  The selection, presentation, etc....amazing.  

Maybe I should go ahead and say it....for the entire cruise...the food quality, selection and presentation...the service and staff....they put the AMA in AMAzing!  Guest were all friendly and the dress is pretty casual.  I am sure there were some very wealthy guests onboard but you didn't have "all that".  It is a nicer attitude and class of guests.

We learned so much and went to so many places.  The tours were all top notch and very well planned.  When we could, we opted for the bike tours.  Even when we went in the buses, the ride was first class and the guides were...yep!, you guessed it...AMAzing.  (My only warning is at 5'2" the bikes were a little big for me.  I managed but I would have liked a smaller frame).  We were usually in 3 groups: easy walkers, intermediate and more of an adventure..lol.  They did a great job balancing the groups and we were never crowded or rushed.  

I think there is a very good reason AMA Waterways is voted #1 by Travel Agents so often.  I asked most of the 90 guests onboard a few questions.  Everyone who had sailed before loves AMA..and most had sailed with AMA in the past.  Most of the guests who had sailed other lines preferred AMA.  No one had anything negative to say.  As someone who books travel for other people...that is very nice to hear.  Vacations without anything negative are a win-win!

Other AMAzing items include:  You can bring on want you want to bring...we bought wine in port and brought it back without any hassle!  Never a wait.... low priced bar drinks (wine and beer no charge in dining room for lunch or dinner)....good snacks....homemade ice creams everyday...the Chef's Table experience... and a great schedule of time (they pack a lot in).

A few things to think about:  not the normal gift shop experience, no duty free alcohol/diamonds, cigarettes, etc....this ship does not have an outside bar on top deck and the nightlife isn't quite the same.

Will I do this again?  of course.  Was it one of my best experiences? yes
Was it worth that horribly long and expensive flight? yes
Would I recommend it to every client I have?  just about!!!

I will write more about France and the wine next!

Cruising Canada eh?

The Great White North... over the great white sands?

Canada is conducting studies and wishes to become a year round cruise port. At a recent Cruise Canada Symposium Travel Agent report:

• The Canada/New England region is bullish on its 10-year plan, which calls for becoming a year-round destination for cruise calls, representatives from the regional alliance said at the 19th annual Cruise Canada New England Symposium, taking place this week in Montreal.
• "By 2026, the region will be a premiere year-round destination ... with more than 1 million cruise visitors each year. Canada/New England will be a four-season cruise destination. We want to be open for cruise business year round."
• "Because we have four distinct seasons, there are four distinct opportunities to showcase our region and create authentic local experiences that are different at different times of the year," he noted. "Consumer demand will help fill ships."
• In 2016, the Canada/New England region saw 1,322 cruise ship calls from 21 different cruise lines, adding up to 2.4 million guest visits

Afterall, they can offer a lot of different experiences.  I know, I, for one need more than just an "island experience" since I have been on 50+ carribbevn cruises and was born in Florida.  I am over the beaches!  I like to sail the Caribbean for a bit and then do something different.  But there is no beating the value and relaxation of a cruise...so this is a great alternative.

• There is a new terminal at the Montreal pier and Holland America is already there!  The complete project, upgrading the Alexandra Pier, will be completed by September.
• MSC who hasn't been in these water in years is looking into Canada. With 10 ships on its orderbook through 2026, the privately-owned cruise line is eyeing the region on a seasonal basis
• Even Aida is joining in the new Canadian craze for the summer of 2018.  AIDA Cruises confirmed that the AIDAvita will spend the 2018 summer in Canadian and U.S. waters. That is in stark contrast to this summer, when the 2002-built ship sails in Northern Europe. It is also the earliest season ever for AIDA in North America. The German line typically sails a handful of fall foliage cruises from New York. The ship heads from Hamburg to New York on a 17-night crossing next June, with stops in St. John's, Halifax, Bar Harbor and Boston. After that, the ship sails 14 days from New York to Montreal, before two 14-day round-trip Montreal cruises. Following that is a 14-day open-jaw sailing from Montreal to New York on August 3.

We did a Canadian Fall season cruise a few years back.  Totally different and refreshing.  I thought I would only need to experience it once....but I am reconsidering that thought now.  We visited Quebec City for a Winter Carnival they hold every year and it was awesome.  But more awesome is the food!  I can just imagine sailing a cruise line that likes to use local foods onboard.

Yes it was a little chilly but it was so nice to do different things.  We went lobster fishing, saw fall leaves and all the splendor of their colors and again, did I mention the food up there?  Why don't we have charcuterie trays here in Florida?  Homemade jams, cheeses and meats with a great wine?  My mouth is yearning for that again as I sit here typing this.

I say...yes bring it on!  Everyone should do a New England/Canada cruise at least once.  It is a great way to see part of the two countries that otherwise you would miss out on.  For some, one day in each is enough...but for others like me....it was great to get a sample so I know where to go back to.  I say that in full honesty....I would go back to Quebec anytime.  

How about you, eh?