By Marcia Abramson
I am devoting this column to a suggestion made by Pearl Silverstein of Woodmere in a letter to the editor recently that I respond to travel questions from Herald Newspaper's readers in future columns. Many readers of the travel column have also written and telephoned me for information about targeted mailings from Renaissance Cruises offering cruises that sounded too good to be true. Their questions dealt with the need to book directly without a travel agent within a specific time limit to take advantage of fantastic savings. Another problem was the difficulty to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Since I had no personal experience with Renaissance Cruises, I proceeded to research for answers with my colleagues in the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), former passengers, and several cruise critics and learned that Renaissance Cruises now does book through travel agents, has made their cancellation fees more traveler friendly and less severe with no penalties for cancellation up to 76 days before sailing. Full payment is required by the line 90 days in advance of sailing rather than the prior 120 days payment requirement. The 100 % penalty only applies to 14-day notices of cancellation. Also, passengers can now obtain travel insurance for last minute cancellations from the Berkely Group Insurance Company when booking through a travel agent or from CSA Travel Protection (800-348-9505) for more extensive coverage than policies offered by cruise lines.
The reports I received from former Renaissance passengers are highly favorable. They particularly liked the choice of destination land tours as well as the dining options, food and services on the Renaissance ships. A Lawrence couple related that they particularly liked the owner's suite with its own balcony and butler service and try to make a sailing at least once a year to enjoy this ambiance at realistic rates. In fact, the current October issue of Money Magazine reported the results of its survey of knowledgeable cruise authorities and frequent passengers. They found that certain cruise lines are favorites in different categories. Renaissance Cruises received high marks for travelers seeking interesting Ports of Call, many dining options, world-class spas, and most of the amenities of the larger mega ships, but with a smaller passenger manifest. They also report that the Renaissance's new R-class ships carry fewer than 700 passengers but still have enough activities to engage even the most discerning cruiser. The smoke free and kid free environment aboard ship also is a plus for many travelers. Renaissance Cruises has year round sails that include Tahiti, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, Northern Europe and Scandinavia. According to Stewart Chiron, agent of the Cruise Line, (800-777-0707), one of the largest cruise agencies in the United States, those who book 90 days early can take advantage of a $1,499 fare, tips not included, for a 15-day Istanbul-to-Athens voyage. I intend to take the Mediterranean Cruise later this fall to see for myself whether Renaissance Cruises merit the 4 stars rave reviews of the America Online Cruise Critic, Feeding's Travel Guide and the Top Ten ratings of all cruise lines from Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure Magazine readers.
Money Magazine also likes the Radisson Seven Seas Cruise's 320-passenger Paul Gauguin ship. It sails year round through French Polynesia and stops at Rajatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Moorea. Passengers get a good taste of culture on the ship with an art gallery with original Gauguin paintings. For the adventuresome, there are free scuba diving, sea kayaking and wind-surfing opportunities. There is a departure on January 13, for a one-week cruise at $1,596 per person. Air fare would add another $1,000 to $1,500 to the cost, but you do get complementary wine with your meals. Your local travel agent can check for you or Susan White at Thomas Travel Service (800-723-2292).
Disney Cruise Line's two cruise ships, the Magic and the Wonder, get favorable mention to keep the kids busy while the parents get to relax in areas designated for adults only. Celebrity Cruises gets kudos for its food preparation with all fresh ingredients from the regions the cruise ship visits. Other cruise lines getting favorable mentions from Money Magazine were Crystal Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Club Med Cruises and Premier Cruise Lines. They represent varied reasons from food and wine themes to restorative cleansing for the mind and body, to active adventure to moderate charges for singles.
For more specific information on how to insure smooth sailing when you book a cruise, the October 2000 issue of Money Magazine is must reading. You can also write to me at the Nassau Herald for answers on travel questions or send me an e-mail at mascribe@aol.com.
