There is an open secret in the world of travel insurance – different types of trip require different types of coverage.
This shouldn’t really be any kind of secret at all. It is just a fact that different types of holiday and the activities you can take part in carry different types of risk which need to be accounted for.
Sadly, not all insurance providers are very proactive in explaining this to holidaymakers. They are happy to sell general travel insurance policies often without ever asking what type of trip the customer is going on. According to gocompare.com, just a third of standard travel insurance policies offer the type of cover suitable for a cruise, leaving you with a two in three chance of of not being protected.
If you are going on a cruise, you should buy a bespoke cruise travel insurance policy. It will cover you for added extras you won’t get with standard travel insurance, such as missing excursions or stopovers because of a change in itinerary, or because of illness.
More importantly, it will give you the added level of cover you need if you fall ill at sea and need medical attention.
Cruise medical coverage
Alongside cancellation coverage and insurance for lost or stolen luggage and personal possessions, one of the main reasons you should take out travel insurance is in case you fall ill or have an accident while abroad. Wherever you go in the world, if you need medical treatment, you have to pay for it. It is often very expensive.
This is especially true on cruises. If you fall ill at sea, it can be a long, long way to the nearest hospital. If your condition is bad enough and the ship has to divert to port, the costs of changing itinerary to the cruise operator will be enormous. In the most serious cases, you may have to be airlifted.
In these circumstances, tens of thousands of pounds are added to your medical bill. Without specific allowances in the small print, many insurance policies simply will not pay out.
Another type of medical coverage you only get with bespoke cruise travel policies is known as cabin confinement. If you do fall ill or hurt yourself, the on-board doctor might say you are not well enough to leave your cabin. As well as not being able to enjoy your holiday, you might miss pre-paid excursions. Specialist cruise travel insurance will cover you for the missed trips, and pay out a daily amount for the duration you are confined to bed.
Equally, cruise policies are more flexible regarding the types of activities you are covered for. Travel insurance generally sets out very specific exclusions for the types of activity it won’t cover you for. But on a cruise, there is lots to do and plenty you might not have anticipated at each place you visit. If you want to go diving, deep sea fishing or cliff climbing, a bespoke cruise insurance policy is more likely to cover you than a general policy.
NBA Hall of Famer and TNT commentator Shaquille O’Neal – also known as “Shaq” – that he has been given a new title, joining Carnival Cruise Line as their newly appointed “CFO.”
The announcement was made with a tongue-in-cheek video that features Shaq and Carnival President Christine Duffy but omits one minor detail: CFO stands for “Chief Fun Officer,” personifying the cruise line’s newest brand campaign, “Choose Fun,” which launched earlier this week.
Shaq’s role will be brought to life via engaging video content, social media and experiential activations, beginning today.
In the first piece of advertising that introduces Shaq as Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer, he takes viewers on a whirlwind 30-second tour of Carnival Vista, showing his playful self as he enjoys the ship’s many attractions and experiences, including SkyRide, Havana pool, Cloud 9 Spa, a burger at Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and, of course, the basketball court.
“We are very excited to have Shaq as part of the Carnival team! He will serve as a great partner ensuring everyone knows all about our one-of-a-kind brand of fun,” said Duffy. “We’re confident that his embodiment of our brand values will inspire America to Choose Fun and discover the authentic, participatory and social atmosphere that Carnival offers.”
“In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to choose fun, especially when everyone is busy with work, family, and life in general,” says O’Neal. “So, I’m honored to be appointed the Chief Fun Officer at Carnival – a company that lives and breathes fun.”
The city of love is a great place to take a short break. This does not mean that you will run out of things to do on a longer visit. There is just too much to do when in Paris. Regardless of what interests you. You will find activities that will quickly fill your day and leave you wanting a little extra time in the city. The great diversity in the city mirrors the best online casinos. Where there are games for everyone.
Holiday in Paris vs Real Money Online Gaming
This is not fair battle. Online gaming is just only a couple of decades old. While the City of lights has been around forever. The best casino games are also available in renowned casinos all over the city. Where the playing environment outclasses the best online live casinos and you can visit the best online casinos for Australians. Maybe the coming of Virtual Reality will give online real money games a fighting chance.
Selecting which games to play at the online casino is definitely easier than selecting which activities to do when in Paris. This is despite the fact online gambling sites have large portfolios of games. Most of them have more than 400 games. Grouped by their difference in game play, themes and size of jackpot. However even walking down the Seine in Paris is an activity requiring you to fully indulge yourself in order to fully enjoy it. That is just how special the city is. Even having a drink in a dark pub will be memorable.
The only area in which online gaming is better than going on holiday in Paris is that you can do it from anywhere. You can play top online casino games from anywhere thanks to mobile technology. You can even play the games while on holiday in Paris. At the best online casinos you can even play games with Parisian themes. This is hard to beat even for city with such rich cultural background.
When visiting Northern California, you won’t lack for things to do and sights to see. The boundaries in Northern California stretch from the Oregon border to Monterey Bay. Imagine driving along the coast to explore mother nature and all she has to offer.
Plus, northern California provides a truly diverse ecological landscape. In fact, you don’t even have to rent a hotel–Outdoorsy features everything you need to get a stunning vacation started with their convenient RV rentals in Oakland, California.
Wine Tasting
Every visit to northern California requires an experience in wine tasting. The weather is perfect for growing the grapes that produce some the globes most world-renowned wines. You could head to Napa, and spend a few days there touring various wineries.
For something a bit more intimate, drive down Highway 101 to visit Booneville–this is a specific region for wine growing. Then, you might consider visiting Anderson Valley which boasts over 20 different wineries–there are also over 16 tasting rooms.
Imagine driving from winery to winery just taking everything in with all your senses. Whether you walk through the grape vines, taste a few vintages or have a meal–you are in for a life changing and forever-memorable experience.
Chinatown
A visit to northern California also requires a stop in Chinatown. This is the place where you will find some of the most authentic Asian experiences in North America. Chinatown is located just west of downtown. You might be surprised to find out that this is also the oldest Chinatown in North America.
But, there’s still more–this Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia. So, if you don’t have time to visit Asia–this is a solid bet. Go shopping at one of the many side street markets. You’ll feel like you’re in another country as locals speak a variety of Chinese dialects all around you.
It had the best shops, restaurants and hotels. The cobble-stoned streets are also pleasant for walking. Today, you’ll find a bevy of small, independent shops, up-and-coming eateries and a fantastic Friday’s farmer’s market.
Bodega Head
Drive over to Bodega Head and Bodega Bay for breathtaking scenery. If you’re ready to take a break from life, this is the perfect place to do it. You’ll see a dramatic cliff which reaches out to the sea. If you’re lucky, you might even see a few whales and dolphins just enjoying life and being their grand selves.
Get some inspiration, or breath in the natural beauty as you take one of the most scenic walks you’ve ever experienced. If you have any questions, there are helpful volunteers on sight who will happily let you know where to walk and what to see.
In Conclusion
Visiting Northern California will simply ruin life for you. Where else can you find such diverse ecology with the perfect mix of nature and city? With your RV, you can’t go wrong driving up and down the coast and creating memories that last a lifetime.
We talk with Carnival’s expert brewmaster Colin Presby and learn all about these delicious new brews. The Parched Pig Craft Brews will be offered at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse aboard Carnival Horizon when she debuts in April 2018.
The names of the beers are playfully inspired by the varied barbecue offerings at Smokehouse|Brewhouse. The four new beers on Carnival Horizon include:
ParchedPig Smoked Porter – brewed with in-house smoked malt, this robust, full-bodied beer offers big and bold flavors and notes of molasses and hickory smoke, providing the perfect complement to Smokehouse|Brewhouse’s BBQ favorites
ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale – this lightly hopped beer is distinguished by its blond color, fruity and complex character with mild spice notes that balance the brew’s dry finish
ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale – highlighted by its rich amber color and notes of toasted caramel and biscuit, this beer is well balanced, smooth and highly drinkable
ParchedPig West Coast IPA – the embodiment of a traditional West Coast India Pale Ale, this hoppy, intense beer is loaded with bitterness with a bright flavor profile and distinctive aroma of citrus and pine
Carnival Horizon is scheduled to make its maiden voyage April 2, 2018, with a 13-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona – the first of four round-trip departures from that port. Carnival Horizon will reposition to the U.S. with a 14-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York May 9-23, 2018.
Created by Ship’s Brewmaster Colin Presby, Refreshing New Brews to be Featured at First-Ever Smokehouse|Brewhouse BBQ Restaurant Created by Food Network Star Guy Fieri
I am excited to let you know that Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled the names of the four craft beers that will be brewed aboard the new Carnival Horizon which is set to debut in Europe April 2, 2018. The delicious new brews were developed by Carnival’s expert brewmaster Colin Presby and will be offered at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse. This new dining concept combines the best of both worlds – an onboard brewery and a full-service restaurant featuring “real deal” BBQ favorites and sides developed by Food Network star Guy Fieri. Not only is Guy a Celebrity Chef but, he is also a member of the American Royal National Barbecue Hall of Fame.
The names of the beers are playfully inspired by the varied barbecue offerings at Smokehouse|Brewhouse. The four new beers on Carnival Horizon include:
ParchedPig Smoked Porter – brewed with in-house smoked malt, this robust, full-bodied beer offers big and bold flavors and notes of molasses and hickory smoke, providing the perfect complement to Smokehouse|Brewhouse’s BBQ favorites
ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale – this lightly hopped beer is distinguished by its blond color, fruity and complex character with mild spice notes that balance the brew’s dry finish
ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale – highlighted by its rich amber color and notes of toasted caramel and biscuit, this beer is well balanced, smooth and highly drinkable
ParchedPig West Coast IPA – the embodiment of a traditional West Coast India Pale Ale, this hoppy, intense beer is loaded with bitterness with a bright flavor profile and distinctive aroma of citrus and pine
“Smokehouse|Brewhouse is a unique culinary concept and we’ve created four fantastic brewed-on-board craft beers that not only showcase different tastes and brewing styles but also serve as the ideal accompaniment to the venue’s delicious array of barbecue offerings,” said Presby.
The brewery takes center stage at Smokehouse|Brewhouse, which, in addition to delicious craft beers and custom cocktails, will offer a rustic, down-home décor as well as a variety of Fieri-designed favorites, all smoked “low and slow” using the chef’s signature rubs and spices. The tantalizing offerings include smoked-on-board brisket, Memphis-style back ribs, dry-rubbed chicken, pulled pork, and cedar-smoked salmon, along with the chef’s own take on traditional sides and his signature sauces. Dinner menu items are offered on an a la carte basis with a free-of-charge self-service BBQ lunch buffet available on embarkation day and sea days.
A host of other dining venues aboard Carnival Horizon are also available, including the line’s first teppanyaki restaurant, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina eatery, the 24-hour Pizzeria del Capitano, and the New England-inspired Seafood Shack.
Other features include the groundbreaking bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction called SkyRide, an IMAX Theatre, and the first Dr. Seuss-themed water park at sea. A wide range of accommodations – from spa cabins with exclusive privileges at the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, extra-roomy staterooms in Family Harbor to tropics-inspired Havana staterooms and suites with exclusive daytime access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool – will also be offered.
Travel has always excited the fabric of our being from the beginning of time. Today’s globalised and travel friendly world makes it easy to globetrot as far as the heart desires. While there may be many places you can add to your wish list of travel dreams, there are some destinations which you should add to the top of the list.
Some of the best places to travel in the world include world famous landmarks and historic wonders. Paris, France is one of these examples; where afternoons can be spend gazing at the clouds in the park under the Eifel Tower, or learning about history in one of the many museums. Paris is also a fantastic spot to visit the casino, but be sure to only visit these real money casinos as online gaming is illegal in France.
Another must-see travel zone is Las Vegas, Nevada. If you are all about the excitement of flashing lights and the buzz of constant city noise, go to Vegas to have the experience of a lifetime. The casinos are world renowned as the best place to gamble.
If you are looking for the greatest gambling success along with a unique cultural experience, Macau, China is the city of your wildest dreams. Macau features all the exciting aspects of Chinese life within the abidance of the law, unlike that of many other strict areas of China.
The chances of enjoying a trip and the possibility of winning big in these cities are so high you simply can’t miss out. No matter which travel destinations you choose, experiencing a different area of the world comes with unforgettable memories.
Cruise Addicts was honored to be in attendance last night as MSC Seaside was officially named. In a unforgettable ceremony by international screen legend and Godmother for all MSC Cruises’ ships, Sophia Loren. MSC Seaside, already recognized as one of the more innovative cruise ships in the industry, is the second ship to be launched in the past six months by the leading European cruise line as part of its industry-unprecedented 12 new mega-ships that MSC Cruises, the Switzerland-founded and based world’s largest privately owned cruise line, will bring into service between 2017 and 2026.
“MSC Seaside’s naming embodies a pivotal moment for MSC Cruises and the industry overall. She is the first ship of the fifth new prototype that we have developed since we entered this industry only in 2003, and she introduces a wholly-innovative concept that has already set a new standard for the industry to follow,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman. “The distinctive and unique Seaside Class is designed to bring guests closer to the sea to enjoy cruising in warm weather, while pushing the boundaries of maritime and guest-centric technology – the way only a cruise line with over 300 years of maritime tradition could have done.”
“MSC Seaside has been designed to spearhead the next phase of our growth in North America, a cornerstone of our global strategy. She will be one of three MSC Cruises ships to homeport in Miami – MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina, one from each of our newest classes of ship. She marks our ambition to establish a significant presence in North America, after firmly rooting our position as number one cruise brand in Europe and having established a leading presence in other key cruise markets globally,” added Mr. Vago.
MSC Cruises also announced a new partnership specifically for MSC Seaside and relevant for the North American market. The new partnership with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) where MSC Cruises’ guest donations will support ABF’s valuable work in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world currently facing exceptional challenges.
Every dollar donated on board by a guest will go directly to the Foundation to make a real difference, establishing schools that become community centers and launching projects such as the Mobile Clinic, providing health care assistance and prevention, clean water, lighting and agricultural development, transforming the lives of their communities.
Mr. Vago commented on the ABF partnership, “MSC Seaside will sail year around in the Caribbean, and with this partnership we wish to express our commitment to giving something back to the places where we operate. This charitable activity is in fact focused on helping the children of Haiti. They are the future and deserve the best and, as a family-owned company, this is a cause close to our hearts.” To mark the launch of the partnership with ABF, the world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli took to the stage during the naming ceremony with 30 children from the Voices of Haiti, a talented choir of Haitian school students aged between 6 and 14 that brings music into the schools of the ABF and St. Luke Foundation for Haiti.
“The sea is a place of freedom; it is the guardian of fascinating wonders, of answers that help us grow. Being an artist means being an explorer. It is therefore a particularly joyful opportunity for me to bring on board my singing and most importantly the voices, joy and enthusiasm of the children’s choir the ‘Voices of Haiti,’” said Andrea Bocelli. “This choir is the result of one of the educational projects carried out, in Haiti and beyond, by the Foundation bearing my name.”
Mr. Bocelli continued, “MSC Cruises has always supported philanthropic projects and, in line with this tradition, MSC Seaside’s naming marks a further inauguration: the launch of the partnership between MSC Cruises and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. It will therefore be possible to set sail together and to simultaneously begin a compelling adventure of solidarity, of getting to know each other and supporting our important initiatives while on board.” In collaboration with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, the project aims to reach over 2,550 children in five communities in Haiti.
High quality, international dining is one of the key highlights of the MSC Cruises offering for guests and MSC Seaside takes this to the next level with six specialty restaurants featuring concepts from around the globe. One of these is a brand new dining experience from pan-Asian chef and international culinary pioneer, Roy Yamaguchi, with whom MSC Cruises has partnered to create a new Asian-Fusion dining concept, Asian Market Kitchen.
To celebrate the coming into service of MSC Seaside, the Swiss-based global cruise line hosted a highprofile event in PortMiami and paid homage to traditional seafaring customs. Guests in attendance included guests from around the globe, including authorities and key partners from the travel industry, as well as US and global media alongside guests from closer to home.
Headlining the entertainment for the evening’s Naming Ceremony was multiple GRAMMY and LATIN GRAMMY winner, Ricky Martin, who is well-known for his high-energy and thrilling performances that have captivated millions of people throughout the world. Beloved by fans worldwide for his instinctive understanding of rhythm, passion for performing, and equal compassion for giving, Ricky Martin truly encompasses the international spirit of MSC Cruises and the city of Miami.
Making a guest appearance at the event was Miami football legend and Hall of Fame quarterback, Dan Marino, who was with the Miami Dolphins for 17 years. Earlier this year, MSC Cruises signed a partnership with the Miami Dolphins and became the official cruise line for the team, further strengthening the cruise line’s relationship with the South Florida community – where its US operations are based. Fans and guests will have the chance to experience the Miami Dolphins at sea and meet team alumni on a themed cruise on MSC Seaside in 2018. Marino presented MSC Cruises USA President Roberto Fusaro with a signed football helmet to be displayed on board as a symbol of the partnership.
The finale of the evening’s events was the time-honored tradition of breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow of the ship as MSC Seaside was officially named aloud. As a company with a strong maritime heritage dating over 300 years, observing these seafaring traditions is important to MSC Cruises and bringing good luck to this new ship tonight, as always, was Sophia Loren as Godmother to her 12th MSC Cruises ship. As one of the most celebrated Italian actresses of our time, the glamorous screen-legend is practically part of the MSC Cruises family.
In charge of the whole evening’s entertainment was actor and popular American TV host, Mario Lopez, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. Lopez also welcomed guests to the star-lit festivities on the “Blue Carpet,” where celebrities gave interviews, took photographs, and met the crowds. Lopez then took to the stage to host the evening’s entertainment.
But the main star of the show was none other than MSC Seaside. Quite unlike anything else at sea, MSC Seaside will shine among Miami’s skyline commanding attention with its revolutionary design. Inspired by the architecture and lifestyle of Miami, the ship will be right at home in warm South Florida waters. Highly-innovative in design as well as on board features, the ship will feature world-class entertainment, a range of international dining concepts, a gorgeous spa, outstanding family-friendly facilities, the private “ship within a ship” MSC Yacht Club, and expansive outdoor spaces. The striking MSC Seaside is just one more reason for guests from North America, and all over the world, to join MSC Cruises on an unforgettable trip that follows the sun.
MSC Seaside will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean offering 7-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries starting December 23. For more information visit https://www.msccruisesusa.com
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Join Cruise Addicts as we embark on our Viking Sea video review of Viking Ocean Cruises‘ “Empires of the Mediterranean” itinerary aboard the Viking Sea. Our journey begins in Venice, Italy and includes ten days and nine ports of call. Watch as we explore Venice, Koper, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini and our final stop in Athens, Greece.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.
In addition, Viking Inclusive Value provides a small ship experience at a big ship value and no nickel-and-diming – with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—an included value of more than $200 per person, per day for an average cruise.
For more information you can visit www.VikingCruises.com. To book your cruise call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent.
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.