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Carnival introduces quicker boarding of ships by kiosk

Carnival Cruise Lines is trying a new, speed-up check-in system at the Port of Miami FL. As in airports, cruise passengers will be able to board their ships by quickly swiping ID cards at an electronic kiosk that replaces the time-consuming live guard station process.

We recently returned from a cruise of the Mexican Riviera, and all facilities and services aboard the ship were easily and conveniently available. However, when boarding at the original Long Beach CA pier and at every port stop along the cruise, passengers had to wait in hour-long lines for the guards in the terminal to go through the tedious security procedures before they allowed boarding.

Before arriving at the port of embarkation for the cruise at Carnival’s Miami pier, passengers who want to use the quick check-in kiosks are required to pre-register online and must be citizens of the U.S., Canada or other nation that issues visa waivers for US travel. The check-in requires passengers have authorized credit or passport cards to swipe at the kiosk, as is the usual procedures at airports. After passengers clear the security check-in procedure, they will be given their stateroom keys by cruise staffs as they arrive onboard.

If Carnival’s experiment proves effective, plans are in the works for the kiosk check-in procedure to be installed for other Carnival sailings. While we recognize and appreciate the need for tight security, we hope the kiosk check-in procedures will soon become universal for all cruise ships, and eliminate the frustration of long, time-consuming check-in lines.

Las Vegas NV: Biking Around Scenic Sin City

Beyond the lush resorts, buffets and casinos, Las Vegas also offers scenic bike trails, including downtown, the suburbs, nearby Mount Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, the shores of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.

The first reaction about local bike trails from the typical Vegas visitor could be: who takes time from gambling to ride bikes in Sin City? Admittedly, it's difficult to envision gamblers getting up early in the morning to ride their Schwinns through the traffic-choked, high-rise Las Vegas Strip.

Seniors Versus Raw Food Can Be Losing Battle

The Hawaiian capital city of Honolulu recently closed down a group of city restaurants specializing in serving sushi and other raw foods. The ban was the result of a serious outbreak of more than 160 local hepatitis cases, with most of them attributed to uncooked seafood.

That should be a warning for travelers, especially seniors, to be careful of dining on the potentially dangerous foods. Be very careful of what you order in restaurants, and even more aware of the potentially higher dangers of eating raw from street stalls.

Rome, Italy, Trevi Fountain: Romantic Wishing Spot For Senior Lovers

When your travels take you to the beautiful capital city of Italy, be sure you pause at this historic location. The tradition is to face away, then toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. At the same time, make a wish for whatever your traveling senior heart or other vital organ desires.

First-time Senior Visit To St. Petersburg, Russia

Guest Senior Correspondent LLMacB, Seattle WA: When today’s seasoned citizens were young, the Soviet Union was our enemy. Almost daily, it threatened to blow us all to hell with atom bombs, unless of course, we wiped them out first.

We who did wartime duty in Korea and/or Vietnam in the 50s, 60s and 70s, often faced Russian weapons. They were used to shoot at our planes, ships and GIs. In those Cold War times, not many of us had any wish to peacefully visit Russia.