10 ways to keep your figure on a cruise

A common concern for travelers is not how much they bring with them, but how much they bring back...on the hips and thighs. To help keep away the extra weight that comes with luxury vacation splurges, Crystal Cruises has come up with 10 ways to stay fit aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
1. If you're not busy practicing your golf swing, walk or jog around the 360-degree promenade deck.
2. Opt for fresh fruit or salads at the Trident Grill. Keep in mind that all dining options are trans fat-free.
3. Instead of heavier dinner foods, dine at Nobu for light and healthy sushi or sashimi.
4. Book time with a private trainer.
5. Take advantage of the complimentary bottles of water.
6. Try an aerobics or yoga class.
7. Pamper yourself with detoxifying body wraps at the Crystal Spa.
8. When the ships dock engage in physical activity like kayaking, hiking or snorkeling.
9. Swim laps in the pool.
10. Rejuvenate your body with onboard acupuncture and shiatsu massages.

Southern African Safari 2010

Picture yourself watching a pride of lion as they wake, to head off on the hunt. Find leopard sleeping in a tree. Enjoy sundown from you Land Rover as elephant have their last drink of the day in front of you. Listen to the calls of hippo from your elegant tent on the Zambezi River.

Join Africa Expert, Sylvia Berman, on her annual trip to Southern Africa. September 22 - October 9, 2010. 18 days, 15 nights. Only 8 guests may join in this exciting safari experience.

The trip includes a day with historian Robin Binckes in Johannesburg. Two nights in Johannesburg at the Melrose Arch Hotel. Three nights in the Northern Kruger at King's Camp. Three nights in the Sabi Sand at Mala Mala main camp. Two nights at Toka Leya tented camp in Victoria Falls, Zambia. Five nights at the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town. A sundown cruise on the Zambezi River, a tour of Victoria Falls, and elephant encounter, Cape Point, Boulders and the African penguins, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and the famous Wine Lands. The land price of $9039.00, double occupancy includes: Accomodations and touring as listed above, all transfers, chartered intra-Africa flights, all game drives, 15 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 8 dinners. Call for a complete itinerary. 954-966-7690 or 800-881-7690.

Crystal Cruise – Serenity – Athens to Venice – 12 days with overnight in Alexandra. It had been awhile since I had sailed and was looking forward to a getting away with a girlfriend. Many questions concerned us. Would we be the only couple of younger girls? Would there be enough to keep us busy? How could 2 ladies share one bathroom? Our questions were answered the moment we boarded. We were welcomed and felt we were home for 12 days. Tammi and I found it very easy to make friends, and enjoy life on board the ship. I do not know what they put into the employee's water; Service was consistently out-of-this-world! When we arrived at breakfast the next morning, everyone knew our names. Always smiling, vigorously inquiring what they could do for us. Crystal has the well-deserved reputation for dining, service and big-ship options, Crystal Cruises is particularly known for signature features that include onboard specialty restaurants Nobu, and Prego, huge wine cellars, paddle tennis, expansive Computer University@Sea labs and one of the best enrichment programs in cruising. Wait I forgot to mention the Mozart Tea, the Asian themed buffet, the Grand buffet, and the spa I wanted to move into. Crystal Cruises still preserves a traditional, two-seating dining pattern in its main restaurant and does formal nights. We were thrilled to have Dr. Jeffry and Mrs. Meryl Perkins, and Mr. Seth and Mrs. Ellyn Lehr (my clients) as dinning companions. Tammi and I have a rolodex of new friends. There were many single lads, and the on- board hosts were always there to make sure we were dancing and having a wonderful time. Our time on board lead to discussions of World Events, Sports, Music, to why doesn't the gift shop carry more items for us to purchase for grandchildren. Life on board the Serenity is just what you planed. You will not be disappointed and very pleasantly surprised at finding yourself thinking perhaps I should take back to back cruises. The cabins are small, but the bathroom does have double sinks, and a bathtub. We were able to both get dressed at the same time, and there was plenty of storage space. Our itinerary was wonderful Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Jerusalem (Ashod) Alexandria, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice. Each port offered unique opportunities and wonderful memories. Tammi and I had the opportunity to overnight in Venice before we parted for home. Ask me about the wonderful walk from San Marcos Square back to the cruise ship. I flew from Venice to Paris for additional 4 nights. (More about this trip in the next news letter.) My flight was considered domestic. The weight of my baggage: way over the allocated 30kg. Something everyone should keep in mind. Contact me to avoid the penalty that could be very hefty.
Happy Sailing: Arlene Feen

Oasis of the Seas photos

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas...Friday November 27th: We arrived at the new cruise terminal around 2 PM. The terminal has it's own parking lot that holds 1,000 cars. It's easy to access and the terminal check in was quick and efficient. As we boarded the ship, we were really unprepared for what was to come. Entering on deck 5, which is the Royal Promenade, we were surprised that we were in a shopping area...mall is more like it. The Royal Promenade is vast, and beautifully designed. The space is huge...many stories high, so you feel almost like you are outside...the space made me feel like I was in a subtle version of Las Vegas...There are restaurants, gift shops, bars, Guest services, coffee shops...and it is so wide! To get to our cabins we turned towards the elevators, which have glass doors so you can see through them, and saw a flat panel image on the wall of the ship...it's touch screen and you can enter your cabin number to get directions, or choose multiple other items to find on the ship. We were on deck 14, (the kids neighborhood is on this deck, yet it is separated and unobtrusive) so we went to our cabin and unpacked. We decided to start at the top of the ship and work our way down, so we headed to deck 17. The first impression I got of the Oasis was how really big she is. Even though there were over 3,000 people on board for our 2 night cruise, it didn't feel anywhere near crowded. The Oasis can hold up to 6300 passengers, with a crew of 2200 (approx.) The ship is extremely well designed, and very easy to find your way around. From the very beginning, I had no problem orienting myself, or finding anything on the ship. In the middle of the ship on deck 15 there are 4 pools...plus hot tubs...each pool has a different theme. There are whirlpools for adults on the sides, overhanging the ship. We headed towards the stern, where the Zip Line, wave riders, and miniature golf are located. There was already a long line of people signing up for the Zip line. Demonstrations of the wave riders were great. The Zip Line travels over the Boardwalk underneath, 8 decks (I think) down. There are inside balcony cabins that overlook the Boardwalk area, and many passengers were on their balconies watching the Zip line riders. The Boardwalk area is a great neighborhood, where the carousel is located, along with the 2 rock climbing walls, 2 movie screens and the pool for the water show. There are restaurants, coffee and donut shops, and it's an altogether great meeting place for lunch and people watching. The artwork leading up to the carousel is wonderful, life size wood sculptures showing how the carousel horses are carved. There are 6 suites overlooking the Boardwalk, with very large balconies. You could spend a better part of your day on the balcony of one of these suites and be completely entertained. Then to Central Park. What a beautiful concept! Central Park is the location of many specialty restaurants and bars. The winding path through the live garden area is peaceful and quiet. There are plenty of seating areas. Balcony cabins also overlook this area. Again, this is a very high, open area and you do get the feeling that you are outside. It was getting close to leaving port and I found a spot on the port side of deck 16, along with many hundreds of other guests...but it still wasn't crowded. As the ship pulled out of port I really got a sense of how massive this ship is...there was another cruise ship across from us, and we just overshadowed the ship. The folks that live along the channel out of the port were out in force, waving at us, with bull horns and banners...we were as high as the top of some of the condos along the channel. We got a quick bite to eat, and headed back to our cabins for an early night.
First thing Saturday morning, we searched around for a cup of coffee, and some breakfast, then started out again on our self guided tour. We found the Casino and were truly amazed at the size of it. Beautifully decorated, well laid out...then to the theater for a quick peek. There is a Comedy club and a night club on the same deck as the Casino. The Library is quite small for a ship this large, but I don't think too many people will be sitting inside it reading. We had a Q&A meeting with Royal Caribbean executives, located in the Ice Skating arena. Many great questions asked and answered. Lunch was on the Boardwalk, and I must say, it's a really great area to hang out and watch all the activity around you. After lunch we began our cabin inspections, which took over 2 hours, since there are so many categories of cabins. This is going to be a great ship for families and groups of friends to cruise on. Bunk beds are available for kids, couches turn into beds, you can fit up to 16 people in one of the suites, and many other combinations are used. I took some time off and got into one of the adult whirlpools overlooking the ocean. Then off to see the musical "Hairspray". It was a fabulous production. All this time I really felt comfortable on the ship. I never felt disoriented or turned around, never felt crowded...the crews service was wonderful and efficient, and for the most part they crew was a happy, smiling bunch. The ship is always being cleaned. I have probably left out something, oh wait, the Spa! The Spa area and Fitness Center could be located in any mall in America. Spacious, almost elegant, (the spa), we were truly impressed by both. There is a jogging track that circles deck 5...12 laps equals 5 miles. Amazing. Anyway, I'm sure I'm forgetting something, so please just ask...I would recommend Oasis of the Seas to anyone that wants plenty or entertainment and fun, with options galor. This will be a great ship for kids (who, by the way, get a GPS armband so they can be found anywhere on board), great ship for parents and grandparents, great cruising for any group of friends, and couples who want alot to do on board. If you do have any questions, please feel free to contact me, either by phone at 954-966-7690, or email grace@posthastetravel.com .

Busy week with cruise ships

This has been a busy week for me and cruise ships. Monday Jamie and I flew to New York to spend the night on the Crystal Symphony. It was my first time on a Crystal Cruises ship. The Symphony holds 940 passengers (if my memory serves me right) but has a very intimate feeling. The ship was recently refurbished, and the new elegance shows. All the staterooms and suites were upgraded, and although a bit small, the appointments were lovely. Great colors, comfortable bedding, a huge bathroom, (big enough for 2 to fit comfortably) with tub and shower...the Nobu specialty restaurant is artfully done, with a vary calming, oriental influence, and Prego is an intimate, subtly fun room. The food was absolutely wonderful, as was the service. Even though we were only on board for the one night (and we didn't leave the dock) it seemed as if the staff already knew us and our preferences. The only thing that struck me as odd, was the choice of a pink carpet for one of the decks...I couldn't imagine having to walk to the end of a pink hallway to get to my cabin. We flew home Tuesday afternoon, having listened to a great sales and marketing presentation by the President and Sales and Marketing Manager. Crystal has some great itineraries for 2010 and 2011 and is definitely worth sailing with.

Thursday afternoon, Sylvia Berman, President of Post Haste Travel, (and my mother) were off to spend one night on the Seabourn Odyssey. This is the first time the Odyssey has been in Fort Lauderdale, and although larger than her sister ships, at 400 guests, she is still intimate and elegant. The Odyssey is so well designed and thought out. The public areas seem cozy and intimate while at the same time being bright and open. The low profile seating keeps the view from being blocked from any location, and the seating arrangements allow for privacy or friendly interaction, whichever you choose. There are nooks and crannies all throughout the ship. The pool area is very well laid out and comfortable. The cabins are large, roomy and almost all have balconies. The Weingarden (sp?) Suite was amazing! A special spa tub on the veranda, separate from the rest of the balcony...dinner was marvelous. Multiple small courses, and lobster done just right. I think the staff could use a bit more training, but all in all, they were very friendly and attentive. This beautiful ship is a must for the discerning cruiser who is looking to visit the smaller ports and wants comfortable elegance.

And to top it all off, this morning we watched the Oasis of the Seas enter Fort Lauderdale from the deck of the Odyssey. I was at the rail about 6:30 AM and saw the Oasis appear from the clouds on the horizon...very eery...it's a behemoth of a ship. After watching the Oasis wait until it was the right time to enter Port Everglades, she finally approached the port, and what a sight! Bigger and bigger as she got nearer. There are condo's right at the edge of the entrance to the Port, and the Oasis completely covered them...and she just kept coming! How the pilot got her so easily into her dock is beyond comprehension. Sylvia and I will be on board the Oasis November 27th and 28th for a travel agent preview. I will be sure to tell you all about this amazing ship. This is one week I will remember for a long time.

When does it pay to buy travel insurance?

When Does It Pay to Buy Travel Insurance?
October 20, 2009 Posted in Practical Travel Tips


I have seen travel insurance described as everything from a Ponzi scheme to an essential travel tool. It seems that people who don't like travel insurance are often those who find out that their insurance doesn't cover them for the problem that they face. Conversely, those that swear by the policies are often the ones who have been reimbursed by their insurer. My mother's friend is in the latter camp. She fractured her hip during a bad fall on the last night of her Alaska cruise, and several weeks and 1 operation later she had to be taken back home in a wheelchair. Her travel insurance covered everything all the costs that Medicare didn't, including her first-class plane ticket.
I'm squarely behind the idea of travel insurance. Not everyone agrees with me, but I think on the whole there are many more positive stories than negative ones about how travel insurance has come in to save someone from financial ruin. But for the doubters, especially those who don't regularly buy insurance, here are some things to think about next time you consider whether or not to buy a policy.
Has travel insurance ever come in handy for you?

5 Simple (and Important) Things to Remember about Travel Insurance

1. Understand what your policy covers
Like all insurers, travel insurance companies live and die by the fine print in their policies. It bears remembering that you should read that fine print before buying a policy to make sure you're covered for the problems you anticipate (or perhaps even for those that you don't). Are you concerned you might have to cancel your trip because your Great-Aunt Sue is in the hospital? Make sure a great-aunt is one of the close relatives for which you can cancel a trip. Do you have hurricane phobia? Make sure you can cancel easily if a hurricane warning is issued for your destination, not just when all travel there is suspended because of an imminent storm (in some cases a day or two difference either way determines whether or not you will be reimbursed for your cancellation).

2. Documentation is key
I read a sad story recently of someone who bought insurance and canceled a trip because of an illness, expecting to be reimbursed for the cost. Unfortunately, the person didn't bother to see a doctor because this was a long-standing medical condition that the person experienced from time to time. Sad to say, there was no reimbursement forthcoming because there was no doctor's record that the individual was sick. Fair? Well, why should an insurance company simply take your word that an illness has prevented you from traveling? If you're sick, you should see a doctor and get a note. If you have a car accident, you need to take pictures of the damage. If something is stolen from you, you must file a police report. Having this documentation may be the difference between a welcome reimbursement or a very unwelcome refusal from the insurer.

3. Don't pay for coverage you don't need (but do pay for coverage that you do need)
High reimbursement numbers may give you a feeling of security, but do you need $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage? Probably not, unless you're going to some remote jungle in the middle of nowhere. Do you really need a policy that allows you to cancel for any reason? Probably not, though you'll pay almost double for that privilege. And what about health care coverage? Someone asked in our forums recently whether it was worthwhile to pay extra to have a travel medical policy that acted as a primary health insurer rather than as a secondary insurer (the person already had health insurance). While this might be a valid question for a car-rental collision-damage waiver policy, it's not really relevant for health insurance. Travel health insurance pays for what your regular insurance doesn't, and your regular insurance doesn't go up just because you make a claim (unlike auto insurance). So there is no benefit in paying extra just to get "primary" coverage.
As with the case of the policy offering "primary" health insurance, be aware of things that sound as if they are a great benefit but actually add little value to your policy. A policy isn't better simply because it is labeled "gold" or "platinum." Instead, read the fine print to make sure the coverage levels are what you need. Don't pay extra for a car-rental policy that covers "exotic" vehicles such as $80,000 Mercedes convertibles and Cadillac Escalade SUVs unless you plan to rent one. Don't pay extra for a policy covering extreme sports activities such as bungee jumping or mountain climbing unless you plan to participate in these activities. But always get the narrowest policy that covers you adequately for the activities you plan to partake in; not all policies will cover you for injuries in white-water rafting, for instance, unless you buy a higher level of coverage.

4. Insure yourself when you put down a nonrefundable deposit far in advance—and when you do buy insurance for these trips, buy it immediately
The one time I tell people that travel insurance is an absolute must is when they are booking a nonrefundable trip far in advance. Who knows what may happen 6 to 12 months down the line? Will you be laid off from your job? Will your parents become incapacitated by an unexpected illness? Will you trip and fall down the stairs the week before you're expected to leave and have your ankle in a cast for 8 to 12 weeks? Will you injure yourself in the gym two days before your departure? Will your tour operator go bankrupt and be unable to refund your deposit? The future is unknowable, and the purpose of insurance is to give you peace of mind when you have to face the unexpected and unpleasant. It's certainly worth while to spend an extra 5% of your trip cost to buy insurance that will reimburse you for 95% to 100% of your out-of-pocket expenses in the case of an unforeseen occurrence.
Moreover, most travel insurance policies offer much broader coverage if you buy a policy within a few days of putting down your initial deposit. You may only be covered for pre-existing medical conditions in such a case. And you will certainly not be covered if your tour company goes out of business unless you have purchased a policy before the company declares that it's in financial dire straits. So-called "Cancel for any Reason" policies must usually be purchased within a few days of your initial trip deposit in order for you to receive the full benefits. I could go on, but the basic issue is this: you must purchase your travel insurance policy before something goes wrong, so the longer you wait, the more risk you must incur yourself.

5. Always buy medical coverage when you travel overseas, especially if you are a senior
If you are a senior on Medicare, your medical bills will not be covered if you get sick outside of the U.S. except in Mexico and Canada (and that includes any time you spend aboard a cruise ship, even if it leaves from a U.S. port). A Medi-Gap policy may also not cover your out-of-pocket costs if you are not covered by Medicare, so make sure you understand what your policy does and does not cover before you travel. Some HMOs have similar provisions, failing to cover you outside of the U.S. While medical care outside of the U.S. is often just as good as at home (and often quite a bit cheaper), it's still not free.
And if you trip on a quaint cobblestone street in Venice or slip on the stairs at Wat Po or have a car accident in Bolivia, you might sustain serious injuries that could require extensive care and rehabilitation; you might even have to end your trip suddenly and be brought home in a specially chartered plane. Regardless of how careful you are and how carefully you avoid germs, you might have appendicitis in Tanzania or suffer altitude sickness in the Swiss Alps. While quick care may save your life, it won't be free, and you might need to be moved to the nearest large hospital for surgery or immediate treatment, and that cost can be considerable.
And here's a sixth, "bonus" tip: A collision-damage waiver is almost always cheaper when you buy it from a travel insurance company rather than from the car-rental company. You'll pay about $9 per day as opposed to $14 to $25 per day.
Travel Insurance Resources

Compare costs of several plans
Several Web sites will allow you to compare the costs and fine print of similar policies (for similar coverage).
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
There are several companies that offer comprehensive travel insurance, including (but not limited to) Allianz,   Travelex Insurance,  and Travel Guard International, to name a few. These companies offer coverage for many different kinds of events, and most offer a "cancel for any reason" option (though you'll pay dearly for it). Otherwise, expect the cost of a comprehensive policy to be between 5% and 12% of the cost of your total trip (depending on your age).
If you want to purchase only medical coverage from a comprehensive travel insurer, enter a trip cost of $0; you won't be covered if you have to cancel your trip, but you will be covered for hospital and doctor's costs and for medical evacuation if you become ill along the way.
International Medical Plans

There are several companies that offer only international medical plans. While these are primarily useful if you are doing an extensive trip, these plans might be useful to you if you travel a lot (most are aimed at frequent international travelers). One other company that can be helpful is not really an insurance company; MedjetAssist is a members-only medical evacuation company. When you pay to become a member, you are entitled to medical evacuation to your hospital of choice from anywhere in the world regardless of the reason for your hospitalization