Home
Samsonite
 

Newsflash

Cruise Ship Illnesses: As Awful As News Sources Say?


We’ve been on dozens of cruises in the past two decades and never once were sick. Of course, there were occasions when others aboard our ship had problems with seasickness, scarfing too much food, overdoing booze and other troubles.

Also, some had been infected by other passengers who brought flu aboard with them. Of course, during excursions when some went ashore and consumed unclean street cart food and local water, it wasn’t the cruise line’s fault. 

What set off this tirade is recent sensationalized news blared out by media about a cruise ship returning to its Florida port from the Caribbean with 2,500 passengers. The reports state that 66 of them showed symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. For anyone who can do basic math, that’s about 2.5 percent.

Read more...
Q: Where Can I Find The Best Reasonably-Priced Cruises? PDF Print E-mail


I just retired and want to celebrate with a cruise. My travel agent quoted several that seemed way too expensive. A friend told me the best prices are the ones ready to sail, but are not yet sold out. My time now is free and I can go tomorrow for the right deal. How do I do it? PL, Atlanta GA

A: Consider last-minute sailings, when prices drop dramatically. Review on-line sites such as Expedia and Travelocity. They can save you time with continuously updated lists of many last-minute choices. Also scan cruise lines websites. Then make sure you’re packed and ready, in case the cruise you want will be sailing in just a few days or possibly hours.

 
 
Stay in-the-know about the latest Sports, Life, Money, Tech, and Travel stories. You'll get your first 2 months of USA TODAY for $25 (charged monthly). All print subscribers receive the e-Newspaper included with their subscription.