HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY! Two-night getaway

Book a three (or more) nights hotel stay through our website and receive a FREE bonus two-night getaway to your choice of one of over 30 popular destinations.   For example,  you can book a week-long trip to New York for New Years and use your two-night getaway voucher to spend Valentine's weekend in Branson!  You can also transfer the getaway voucher to someone else (think "Christmas present").

Here is the fine print:

• Travel booking for the three-night hotel stay must be for travel dates on or before 3-31-2012.
• Travel booking for the three-night hotel stay must be made online at Sue Price Travel by midnight on 12-10-2011.
• The voucher is transferrable, as long as it has not yet been activated.

Live online chat is available to assist with your reservations, or you can contact Sue directly.  

Airfare - Cheapest time to fly….cheapest time to buy

Typically, for domestic flights, the cheapest day of the week to fly is Wednesday, followed by Tuesday.  Usually Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive days to fly.


The cheapest time of day to fly is the usually the earliest flight in the morning.


One-stop flights are cheaper than non-stop flights.


The best time to BUY airfare is on Tuesday at 3 p.m. EST.


Start researching ticket prices 3-4 months in advance of your departure date if your dates are not flexible.  That's when some airlines start releasing the cheaper seats.


If your dates are flexible AND you can leave on short notice, you can take advantage of great last-minute deals.  Southwest Airlines is known for its deals, and their website allows you to see daily rates by month several months in advance.

Adults Only, All-Inclusive Resorts

I love kids, but every now and then it's great to go somewhere that caters to just us adults.  I'm also a bit partial to all-inclusive deals.   How 'bout both? Are you with me?


Here is a sample list of adults only, all-inclusive resorts that I have found in my online travel destination research:


SANDALS RESORTS - Antigua, Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia


SECRETS RESORTS - Huatulco, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Cancun


GALLEY BAY - Antigua


TEMPTATION RESORT - Los Cabos


ALMOND BEACH CLUB & SPA - Barbados


CASA VELAS HOTEL BOUTIQUE - Puerto Vallarta
GOLDEN CROWN PARADISE - Puerto Vallarta


COUPLES SWEPT AWAY - Jamaica
COUPLES TOWER ISLE - Jamaica
COUPLES NEGRIL - Jamaica
IBEROSTAR GRAND HOTEL ROSE HALL- Jamaica
THE CAVES - Jamaica


RENDEVOUS - St Lucia


PUNTA CANA PRINCESS - Punta Cana
GRAN BAHIA PRINCIPE AMBAR - Punta Cana
CATALONIA ROYAL BAVARO - Punta Cana




AVENTURA SPA PALACE - Cancun
IBEROSTAR GRAND HOTEL PARAISO - Cancun
ROYAL CANCUN - Cancun
SUN PALACE - Cancun
TEMPTATION RESORT AND SPA - Cancun


AURA COZUMEL - Cozumel
SABOR AT WYNDHAM - Cozumel

FIND A GREAT DEAL ON AIRFARE - FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES

HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL ON AIRFARE:

• If your dates are flexible, search for deals on websites that will let you compare rates leaving a day earlier or returning a day later.  
• Make your reservation early (book domestic airfare 14 days in advance/international airfare 21 days in advance) -- book even earlier for popular travel dates such as Spring Break, holidays and peak seasons.
• Set up an online travel alert. TripAdvisor.com  will notify you via e-mail when prices go down for airfare from your home airport to a selected destination.
• Check the difference between flying on a week day vs. the weekend, as flights departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally cheaper.  Fridays and Sundays are usually more expensive.  
• Consider an airport in the surrounding area.  For example, if you're traveling to Miami (MIA), it might cost less to fly in to Fort Lauderdale (FLL).
• Pack light (many airlines charge for extra bags and overweight/oversized bags).
• Consider purchasing travel insurance for your airline tickets if there is any chance you will have to re-schedule (most airlines charge a “change” fee per ticket if you cancel/re-schedule your flight).
• Become a fan of several of the major airlines' fan pages, to stay informed about last-minute deals and specials.
• If the difference in price for one airline vs. another is $20 or less, choose the airline that doesn't charge you for your first bag (save approximately $25).

Christmas in September GIVEAWAY

Book a three (or more) nights hotel stay through our website and receive a FREE bonus two-night getaway to one of over 30 popular destinations.    For example,  you can book a week-long trip to New York in October and use your two-night getaway voucher to spend Valentine's weekend in Branson!  You can also transfer the getaway voucher to someone else (think "Christmas present").

Here is the fine print:

• Travel booking for the three-night hotel stay must be for travel dates on or before 3-31-2012.
• Travel booking for the three-night hotel stay must be made online at Sue Price Travel by midnight on    9-30-2011.
• The two-night getaway can be used before or after the three-night stay, but must be used by the expiration date imprinted on the voucher.
• The voucher is transferrable, as long as it has not yet been activated.

Live online chat is available to assist with your reservations, or you can contact Sue directly.  

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

All I want for Christmas is a trip to the Caribbean.  Christmas kicks off the peak travel season in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas, and this busy season lasts until around Easter.   You'll find nice weather and lower rates.  Also, the resorts are generally less crowded.  Popular dates in this time period are the last ten days of December.  If you want to relax and enjoy a tropical getaway during the holidays, make sure you book soon (no later than September) to get the best deals, as they sell out fast.

Tips for holiday travel:

1. Depart and return on a weekday.

2.  Plan on at least 4 nights (including one Saturday night stay) as many resorts require minimum stays during the holidays.

3.  Book as soon as possible and no later than September.

4.  For the best rates, choose travel dates between Thanksgiving week and the week of Christmas.

What do hotels mean when they refer to a "European Plan" or "EP" room?

The European Plan, sometimes abbreviated as EP in hotel listings, indicates that the quoted rate is strictly for lodging and does not include any meals. All food provided by the hotel is billed separately. Taxes and tips are usually additional as well.

Run of House (ROH) includes the most common or standard type of room category in the hotel, featuring basic amenities. When you select Run of House, you receive a standard hotel room at the time of check-in, but the hotel can offer different rooms at the same price, based on availability at the time of check-in. 

An All-inclusive package is a fixed-price and includes lodging and meals.  All-inclusive packages usually include transportation, and sometimes include sightseeing and activities. 

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON CAR RENTALS

• Read the fine print on your car rental agreement and ask about fees for fuel, insurance, additional driver fees, mileage fees, licensing fees, airport fees, and taxes 
• Fill up the tank before you return your rental (or purchase a full tank in advance and bring the rental back as close to empty as possible)
• Pick up and drop off your rental car at the same location, if possible
• Check the price of booking your car rental at a location other than the airport
• Pick up and drop off your rental car at the times scheduled on the reservation (Many car rental companies will charge you $10 - $15 per day for early returns; plus, you may also have to pay a hefty rate difference as well, particularly if your shortened rental period means you no longer qualify for a weekly rate. At that point you'll be charged the default daily rate, which could cost you hundreds.

See more money saving travel tips (airfare, hotels, food and activities) at:  
Traveling on a Budget

Disney Cruise Destinations

Have you always wanted to take your family on a Disney cruise, but you weren't sure which ship or destination to choose? Here's everything you need to know about Disney cruise destinations, ships and ports of call.    Scroll down to the bottom for a list of services and amenities on Disney cruise ships.   For a free no-obligation quote Click Here and complete/submit a short form, or contact Sue via e-mail.


Disney Wonder Cruise Itineraries

• 3-Night Bahamian Cruise  
• 4-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 5-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 15-Night Hawaii Cruise
• 5-Night Vancouver to Los Angeles Cruise
• 6-Night Los Angeles to Vancouver Cruise
• 6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
• 6-Night Vancouver to Los Angeles
• 7-Night Alaskan Cruise

• 7-Night Pacific Coast Cruise

• 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
• 7-Night Los Angeles to Vancouver Cruise
• 8-Night Mexican Riviera Holiday Cruise

Disney Dream Cruise Itineraries

• 3-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 4-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 5-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 5-Night Bahamian Holiday Cruise

Disney Fantasy Cruise Itineraries

• 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
• 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Disney Magic Cruise Itineraries

• 2-Night New York Weekend Getaway Cruise
• 5-Night Canada & New England Coast Cruise
• 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
• 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise
• 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 8-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 8-Night Eastern Caribbean Holiday Cruise
• 8-Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise
• 10-Night Mediterranean Cruise
• 11-Night Mediterranean Cruise
• 14-Night Transatlantic Cruise - Eastbound
• 14-Night Transatlantic Cruise - Westbound

Caribbean

Location: Caribbean

Disney Cruise Line offers spectacular cruises to the scenic Caribbean islands with more ports of call than ever before. Set sail from either Port Canaveral or Galveston, Texas, and embark on an adventure with unforgettable experiences awaiting you at sea and on shore. Imagine soaking up the sun at stunning Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, or diving in a vibrant coral reef forest off the coast of Cozumel. Explore the venerable historical sites of Old San Juan and the jungle terrain of Costa Maya. Discover the multicultural haven of St. Maarten, treat yourself in St. Thomas to luxury shopping at bargain prices and even indulge in the recreation, relaxation and pure fun of Disney's private island paradise, Castaway Cay!

Cruises

6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise invites you and your family to escape on an adventure to the Caribbean aboard the valiant Disney Magic. Ports of call that include Cozumel, Key West and Castaway Cay—plus 2 enchanting days at sea—are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise is a week-long escape to sun-kissed ports of call that include ports such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John and Disney's Castaway Cay. In addition to stops in these exotic destinations, the voyage includes 3 fun-filled days sailing aboard either the Disney Magic or the Disney Fantasy.

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise charts a course for high-seas adventure and fun in such ports as Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay, with 2 fun-filled days at sea in between on the grand decks of the Disney Magic or Disney Fantasy..

8-Night Eastern Caribbean Holiday Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 8-Night Eastern Caribbean Holiday Cruise invites you and your family to ring in the New Year aboard the valiant Disney Magic amid the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Ports of call include St. Maarten, Tortola, St. Thomas/St.John and Disney's very own Castaway Cay.

8-Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 8–Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise invites you and your family to celebrate Christmas aboard the Disney Magic amid the azure waters of the Caribbean. Ports of call include Key West, Costa Maya and Cozumel with 4 glorious days at sea.

Alaska & Pacific Coast

Location: Alaska & Pacific Coast

From the world-class comfort and detailed service of a Disney Cruise Line cruise, experience the breathtaking beauty of the West Coast and the wondrous grandeur of Alaska. Enjoy views from the ship of sparkling California, the rugged Pacific Northwest and majestic Alaska. And behold breezy beaches and cities, towering mountains, radiant tidewater glaciers and more.

Your unparalleled adventure begins the moment you step onto your magnificently appointed ship. Meander in bustling ports cities and quiet towns, where you can shop and find adventures galore. Let a Disney Cruise Line cruise transport you to a world of wonder, one that you will remember fondly forever.

Cruises

7-Night Alaskan Cruise

Sail north to picture-perfect Alaska and behold all kinds of wildlife, from bald eagles and bears to sea otters and whales—and surrender to scenic nature views, ice-blue glaciers, gushing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and pristine fjords.

6-Night Los Angeles to Vancouver Cruise

Begin your trip in sunny Los Angeles and travel north along the gorgeous California coast to beautiful San Francisco, followed by a stop in the garden city of Victoria, Canada, on your way to cosmopolitan Vancouver, Canada.

6-Night Vancouver to Los Angeles

New for 2012. Start in the British-influenced city of Vancouver, Canada, sail south for a 2-day stop of in the port city of San Francisco and then reach this itinerary's final destination: the star-studded metropolis of Los Angeles.

5-Night Vancouver to Los Angeles Cruise

Travel south along the Pacific Coast, from sophisticated Vancouver, Canada to trendsetting Los Angeles, California and explore picturesque ports of call in Victoria, Canada and sun-drenched Ensenada, Mexico.

7-Night Pacific Coast Cruise

Live the California dream as you cruise the Pacific Coast. This 7-night cruise vacation departs from Los Angeles with stops at ports of call including San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico. Explore the natural and cultural wonders that draw people from around the world to this golden coast!

7-Night Los Angeles to Vancouver Cruise

New for 2012. Enjoy this relaxing itinerary that allows plenty of time to explore famous port cities along North America's west coast, including California's Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Canada's Victoria and Vancouver.

Bahamas

Location: Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line offers breathtaking cruises that take you into the heart of The Bahamas, with stops in the tropical paradises of Nassau and Disney's very own private island, Castaway Cay. Set sail from either Port Canaveral or New York and chart a course for a 3-, 4-, 5- or 8-night adventure at sea and on shore. In Nassau, delve into the wealth of sun-kissed beaches, eclectic boutiques and the historical architecture that remains as a relic of the island's colonial past. In Port Canaveral, enter the gateway to Walt Disney World Resort. In Castaway Cay, look forward to some of the world's best swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing in an imaginative setting created especially for our Guests.

Cruises

3-Night Bahamian Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 3-Night Bahamian Cruise sets sail from Port Canaveral and includes one day in Nassau and one on Disney's Castaway Cay. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.

4-Night Bahamian Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 4-Night Bahamian Cruise sets sail from Port Canaveral and includes one day in Nassau, one on Disney's Castaway Cay and one at sea. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.

5-Night Bahamian Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 5-Night Bahamian Cruise offers a vacation to remember with visits to ports such as historic Nassau and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Discover a world of sand, surf and sun blended with all the leisure, recreation and wonders of the tropics.

5-Night Bahamian Holiday Cruise

Cruise to the Bahamas for a New Year's celebration at sea. Spend time in spectacular Nassau and enjoy 2 stops at Disney's Castaway Cay.

8-Night Bahamian Cruise

A Disney Cruise Line 8-Night Bahamian Cruise offers a vacation to remember with a day in historic Nassau, a day on Disney's private island Castaway Cay, and a day at Port Canaveral—your gateway to Walt Disney World Resort! Included in your cruise fare is a 1-day Walt Disney World Resort ticket with Park Hopper® option for each Guest in your travel party. At Port Canaveral, complimentary roundtrip transportation is provided between the ship and the Resort. On this round trip departing from New York City, discover a world of sand, surf and sun blended with all the wonders of the tropics!

Canada & New England Coast Cruises

Sail from New York City on Disney Cruise Line up the New England coast to the picturesque ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick. Explore the endless art galleries and historical sites in winsome Halifax. Then travel to Saint John, where you'll turn back the clock as you explore quaint fishing villages. Sail away to another time and place on this unforgettable cruise to Canada and New England.

Only have a weekend free? Escape The Big Apple for a 2-night getaway at sea. These cruises and more are yours with Disney Cruise Line!

Cruises

2-Night New York Weekend Getaway Cruise

Take a weekend getaway that departs from New York City and goes out to sea for 2 blissful nights and a fun-filled day!

5-Night Canada & New England Coast Cruise

Travel for 5 nights on this cruise to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as you make your way up the New England coast to Canada.

Europe

Location: Europe

A family vacation thousands of years in the making is yours when you explore Europe with Disney Cruise Line as your guide. Awe-inspiring locales along the Mediterranean—including Italy, Spain, France and more—combined with world-class entertainment, dining and a dollop of Disney magic onboard, hold the promise of a truly unforgettable retreat for the entire family.

Cruises

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise

Be whisked away on a festive voyage to the historic and spectacular Mediterranean with visits to Spain, France and Italy. Depart Barcelona for ports of call including La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples and Palma. Plus, enjoy one day at sea.

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise

Take a sweeping voyage to the heart of the Mediterranean with visits to Spain, France, Malta and Italy. Depart Barcelona for ports of call including Barcelona, Valletta, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Ajaccio and Villefranche. Plus, enjoy 2 relaxing days at sea.

11-Night Mediterranean Cruise

Embark on a dream vacation to 7 incredible ports of call across the Mediterranean with visits to Spain, France, Malta and Italy. Depart Barcelona for ports of call including Valletta, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Ajaccio and Villefranche. Plus, enjoy 3 full days at sea.

Hawaii

Be a part of Disney history! For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line is visiting Hawaii, and you don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. No place else on Earth mixes such tropical beauty and romance with the modern convenience and comforts of Hawaii—including world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, museums and aquariums. .

Cruises

15-Night Hawaii Cruise

Embark on an epic journey from Los Angeles to Hawaii and back, with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico. Visit all 4 major Hawaiian islands—the Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai.

Mexican Riviera

Location: Mexican Riviera

Disney Cruise Line offers magical cruises to the Mexican Riviera, with stops—depending on itinerary—at the sun-kissed ports of Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Manzanillo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Set sail from Los Angeles, California and embark on a voyage of a lifetime. Travel down the scenic Baja California peninsula to colorful beach towns with miles of pristine beaches. Frolic amid the hidden cove at Cabo San Lucas's Playa del Amor or bargain hunt for local treasures in the open markets and shops of Mazatlán.

Cruises

6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Take the whole family on a glorious week-long vacation to the Mexican Riviera, sailing along the scenic Baja California peninsula, visiting 2 sunny ports of call—Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta—and 3 fun-filled days at sea.

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Escape on a voyage along the gorgeous Mexican Riviera coastline. Depart Los Angeles for ports of call including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Plus, enjoy 3 fun-filled days at sea.

8-Night Mexican Riviera Holiday Cruise

Take an unforgettable voyage into the heart of the Mexican Riviera. Depart Los Angeles and celebrate the holidays in ports of call that include Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. Plus, enjoy 3 unforgettable days at sea.

Transatlantic

Location: Transatlantic

Disney Cruise Line offers breathtaking transatlantic cruises with ports of call on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean—in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Aboard the classically designed Disney Magic over many miles of blue waters, take a journey that echoes the grandeur of transatlantic crossings in the golden age of sea travel.

A world of diverse activities and experiences are spread out before you when the brilliant sun and surf of Castaway Cay, St. Maarten and Tortola are paired with the rich history and culture of Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar, U.K. Add exclusive Disney entertainment, signature service, fantastic dining and world-class recreation and you're bound to discover a vacation that holds incredible fun for the whole family.

Cruises

14-Night Transatlantic Cruise - Eastbound

The Disney Cruise Line 14-Night Transatlantic Eastbound Cruise takes you from the Bahamas to the Mediterranean, with 5 ports of call and 8 grand days at sea. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.

14-Night Transatlantic Cruise - Westbound

The Disney Cruise Line 14-Night Transatlantic Westbound Cruise sails from Europe to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, with 5 ports of call and 8 great days at sea. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.

Ports of Call

Barcelona - Transatlantic

Galveston - Caribbean

New York - Bahamas, Canada/New England

Los Angeles - Alaska/Pacific Coast, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera

Seattle - Alaska/Pacific Coast

Vancouver, Canada - Alaska/Pacific Coast

Barcelona, Spain - Europe, Transatlantic

Port Canaveral, FL - Bahamas, Caribbean

Disney Cruise Ships Service and Amenities

On a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you can enjoy Disney's world-renown service and amenities throughout the ship, all included in the price of the cruise:

• World-class staterooms
• Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and more.
• 24-hour complimentary soda, coffee and tea at the beverage station.
• 24-hour complimentary room service.
• 24-hour Guest services.
• First run-films at sea, including some in digital 3D.
• Most voyages include fireworks at sea, weather permitting.
• Clubs for kids 3 and up are filled with oceans of activities and amazing entertainment created so that everyone can enjoy their favorite things.
• Private clubs for Tweens and Teens with their own, cool programs and activities.
• Exclusive areas for adults such as nightclubs, the fitness center and many others!

CELEBRATION, Fla., (Oct. 13, 2010) – Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as the No. 1 cruise experience at the Annual Readers' Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler magazine in New York City.

Known as the leader in family cruising, Disney Cruise Line took the top honors in the Mega-Ship category, which is part of the magazine's annual readers' survey that recognizes the best in travel for resorts, destinations, airlines, cruise lines and car rental agencies.

Samantha Brown, renowned travel expert and television host on The Travel Channel, presented the award to Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz at the awards gala in New York City.

Video of Disney Cruise Ship "Wonder"

Summer 2011 Giveaway! $100 Gift Card for Airfare

To enter for your chance to win a Gift Card for up to $100 off on airfare (good on all major airlines), complete any or all of the following items:

1.  "Follow" this blog
2.  "Like" us on Facebook Sue Price Travel on FACEBOOK
3.  Sign up as a Preferred Customer (it's free and it only takes a few minutes) at Sue Price Travel

For each item completed, you earn 1 entry.  Complete all 3 items for 3 chances to win!  Then, post a comment on the FACEBOOK page OR comment on this blog,  to let me know which items you have completed.  DEADLINE TO ENTER IS MIDNIGHT ON JULY 24th.

Cruise - What is included in the price?

Regardless of the cruise line, the price of your cruise includes your cabin, all meals including breakfast, lunch dinner, snacks and free room service, free admissions to the disco, all shows and entertainment, and free kids programs, use of all facilities on ship like the pools, hot tubs, gym, and recreation activities. 

GRATUITIES: Tips will amount to about $10 to $11.50 per person in your cabin per day, depending upon the cruise line. When you check in at the pier they will set up an on-board charge account for you to cover any and everything you may buy on ship. 

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND SOFT DRINKS: Coffee, tea (hot and cold), milk, juice, and lemonade and punch will be provided FREE but you must pay for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and a 15 percent gratuity will be added. The cruise line does sell a soft drink card that allows you unlimited soft drinks for the duration of your cruise. These you must buy the first day of the cruise. The cost of the soft drink card also goes on your on-board tab. You may take on board with you a six pack of soft drinks and/or bottled water to help cut your costs. 

PHOTOGRAPHS: Cruise ship employees will take plenty of photographs of you all over the ship, in the dining room, and as you exit the ship in ports. These will be available for purchase. 

TOURS/EXCURSIONS: You are not required to book any tours and you can get off and on in the ports as much as you want. The cruise line will offer a lot of tours and these are NOT included in the price of the cruise.

SOUVENIRS: Anything you buy on ship from a gift shop or duty free shop goes on your on board account. Things that you buy on shore you pay cash or credit card for.

CASINO: If you plan to gamble on ship you will need cash for that.

SPA SERVICES: If you want/need to have your hair done, get a massage or wrap, or any other services from the spa, there will be a charge.

INTERNET SERVICE: Ships now have internet cafe and some have WiFi but there is a fee for internet access. There are port stops where you can usually find an internet cafe (hourly charge). 

ROOM SERVICE/MINI-BAR: Room service is free. Your cabin will likely have a minibar with soft drinks and snacks; you have to pay for anything you take out of the mini-bar. 

Health - What You Need to Know in Advance of Travel

Travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health. The key resource for health information is the Traveler's Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel

The CDC also has an international traveler's hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747).

Airline Fees

The cost of your airline ticket might not include baggage fees, reservation change fees, pet transportation costs, charges associated with redeeming frequent flier miles and standby passenger fees.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported the following information from the third quarter of 2009:

1. Delta collects an average $24 in extra fees per ticket. First checked bag costs $25, second costs $35. Ticket changes cost $150. Changing a flight bought with frequent flier miles also costs $150.

2. Northwest Airlines collects an average $20 in extra fees per passenger. The airline charges $15 for your first checked piece of luggage and $100 for redeeming frequent flier miles.

3. US Airways collects an average $18 in extra fees from each passenger... including $25 for the first piece of luggage and $90-$175 if that bag is overweight (exact amount depends on the pounds). Total fees collected by US Airways during the third quarter of 2009, $230 million.

4. American Airlines collects an average of $12 in extra fees.

5. Alaska Airlines takes in an average $11 in extra fees per passenger. The airline charges baggage fees ($15 for the first), change fees ($100), a booking fee if you book at the ticket counter ($15) and a pet fee ($100 per flight).

6. Continental Airlines collects an average $11 in extra fees per passenger, on everything from baggage fees to reservation change fees.

7. United Airlines collects an average $11 in extra fees per passenger. 

8. AirTran collects an average $10 in extra fees per passenger on all of the typical things. 

9. JetBlue doesn't charge for the first checked bag, but charges passengers a $100 fee to change a reservation and offers seats with extra legroom starting at $10 extra. Average fees collected per passenger at JetBlue... $8.

10. Southwest Airlines doesn't charge for your first two pieces of luggage or to change a reservation. The airline does offer early bird check-in for $10. 
Southwest collects an average of $6 in extra fees per passenger.