GeezerCouple

I agree with others that if you will be a nervous wreck (or even partially so) until you actually make that next flight, why not spend the night at or near the airport. As mentioned above, we did that once, and it eliminated a real worry. (In our case, we were traveling on F award tickets to Asia. Given that there are only 8 of those per flight, the chance that there would be two empty F's on the next flight... not so good. So that made it even more risky.) But that allowed us to have a [mediocre] dinner at the hotel, get a good night's sleep, and sleep much later than we'd have needed to do if we were trying for a "first flight out" that morning. And it really did take a major source of stress out of the picture. As for Jet Blue Mint... we did fly that a few years ago, home from Barbados. (We had flown there in coach, but decided that we'd give ourselves a treat on the way home, and hope to arrive back somewhat still rested.) I think they've changed the setup on at least some of the planes (if not all by now?). You might want to check what the arrangement is now. We found the bed/seats surprisingly comfortable. Genuinely "lie flat", and a very quiet, peaceful flight home. The Mint prices seem to have gone up considerably, but it does vary by date and specific flight. The service wasn't like the "real" international flat-bed flights in business, but they may have been changing all of that, along with the nicer physical Mint seat/beds. I just checked, and the price on a similar date in 2023 is twice what we paid, but the regular seats are not all that much more. If the prices are much less than business class on other carriers, we'd seriously consider Mint if we were heading to London. GC

Great "face smack" image! 😉 GC

I think she should be able to read it right here....!? 🙂 GC

Perhaps Steve will chime in here (if he notices this thread?), but my understanding of insurance IN GENERAL (not necessarily travel insurance) and other liabilities is that one is supposed to do one's best to mitigate the costs of the other party. In other words, if it would cost $2,500 for extra plane tickets and a couple of hotel nights to get to the second or third port, one should do that rather than expect the insurer to refund all the costs of a multi-week cruise because of weather or a strike/missed connection heading to the *start* of the cruise. I could be wrong, obviously! Imagine an ATW cruise of, say, 180 days. If there was a missed connection immediately (totally out of the control of the traveler), would the insurer agree that the traveler could just 'go back home' and get back the full cost of that very expensive cruise??? But we would WANT to "catch up" rather than miss the entire cruise anyway. GC

You flew *home* instead of to another port to meet the ship? Did your travel insurer advise you to do that? I'm surprised that they would refund the cost of the entire cruise (or part of a 2-part cruise?) rather than pay for a flight (or two) and perhaps a couple of hotel nights to get you to meet your ship. And *we* would rather try to meet up with the ship than go home, and what... then fly all the way back again for the next part of the B2B cruise? GC

By the way, it's not really the fact that the TA is in a different country. It's the country of residence for the traveler, whether it's stated or "left to be assumed" (as seems to be the case here...?). We have been using a TA in a different country for quite a few years now, but our address is shown - correctly - as being in the USA, we pay in US$, and the terms are always the same terms as for any other USA resident. We've done this for several cruises on a variety of different cruise lines (and cruise destinations), and for hotels and for airline tickets in many different countries/continents, and there's never been any kind of glitch. GC

We almost always book our own excursions (whether during a cruise or a land trip), and NEVER through a third party. We use Google, and then read between the lines, etc. Then we email the guide/provider directly. We ask about specifics, and often arrange a custom itinerary. We also ask something like, "Given what we've been discussing, are there any other suggestions you have about anything you think we might especially enjoy?" That often isn't really useful, but occasionally, the guide will indeed suggest something that is a really nice surprise, something we hadn't thought about, didn't know about, or didn't realize was available, etc. And this advance discussion will show very quickly if the guide is really engaged... do they really care what *we* want to see, or are we likely to be just another cookie cutter outing/people/etc.? We've found remarkable tour guides this way, all over. Sometimes we'll book something that would have extra space for others, such as a half- or full-day charter of a large catamaran. Then we might post it on the Roll Call, and that's led to some really pleasant small groups, and people we then enjoy seeing on the ship or dining with throughout the rest of the cruise. But we want to decide what to see and how much time to spend at each sight/place/etc., or perhaps to skip something entirely, or to add something completely different. And there's no waiting for laggards (and also no worrying if I need to rest; we aren't delaying anyone else). GC

I never heard of this agency that is specifically "Traveling Caregivers & Personal Travel Companions" - but it's great to know about them. Several years ago, there was quite a discussion here about "aides/companions/etc.", and it did mention some services. There are also other sources to consider: A nursing school nearby? Perhaps someone would love to have a paid cruise in exchange for some time spent helping with care-giving? Or any regular service that provides home health care. There are many different levels, from almost a homemaker-aide to a full registered nurse, all priced accordingly, obviously. Years ago, I found an afternoon (afterschool) "companion" for my children when I had a job that meant I could not be at home, and they were too old for "day care". [We just didn't use the word "babysitter", but that's what it was! 😉 ] I found her by posting a job on the local small college that specialized in child development. Win/win. For the "I would also need help transferring from wheelchair to the bathroom facilities (shower, toilet) and to bed" you'd probably need a somewhat higher level of care than if you just needed someone to keep an eye on someone, or help them walk or push a wheelchair. So a home-healthcare agency might be a good place to start. The more skilled the level of care, the more you should expect to pay, in addition to providing the "trip". When this CC discussion took place (maybe 7-10 years ago?), I remember thinking, "GOOD! IF either of us ever really needs so much help that the other of us wouldn't even have time or energy to enjoy any travel, we'll bring someone along!" Depending upon the arrangements, it could be someone who sleeps in a second bedroom of a 2BR suite, or perhaps on a sleep sofa in the LR of a 1BR suite, or an "inside" right across the hall? or 2 connecting cabins, etc. At about that time, we were in the Rome airport, and saw a couple with an aide. The husband was very disabled, and had a motorized wheelchair. They had a man who was carrying some of the carry on luggage, and he was also clearly especially helping the husband. They were all escorted onto the plane before everyone else. When we got on, the couple was already settled into business class (where we were), and the aide was in a front row of coach, quite nearby. You might double check with *any* local caregiver service, to see if someone might be interested, even if they don't advertise "travel"-specific assistance. Enjoy! GC

HOtel options are "limited around JFK"? There may be only one hotel AT/IN the airport, but there are quite a few choices nearby. We've stayed at one overnight so we could be sure to be "on time" for a longhaul overseas flight the next morning, and had no trouble finding accommodations nearby. Just Google "hotels near JFK" for a list. RM

Any "ballpark estimates" of overseas medical costs would depend upon what injury or illness occurs, and how it progresses in *your* body. I would be reluctant to determine my travel medical insurance coverage by where I expect to be going. What if it is determined that you need to be transferred for more appropriate care, and that is in "a nearby country", which happens to be much more expensive? And to the best of my memory, the insurance coverages are determined by the particular policy type. One doesn't typically select "Policy A" and then select $X vs $Y for the medical coverage limit of that policy. Perhaps there are some policies like that, but I don't think it's common. The policies tend to be a "package", so one is getting a medical limit of $Z, but also certain coverages and limits for other travel problems. GC

This sounds incredibly condescending. OP prefers to have his money "work for him", rather than what...? needing to "work so hard for money", as his wife needs to do? Wow. But it goes along with the general theme, unfortunately. GC

Something like this would be my strong recommendation. If you lose any credits (?), then that should still be much less expensive than going on this cruise with someone else - or alone - and then paying for another cruise for the two of you to share *together*. GC

Does she *personally* need to do the deliveries, and right ON Easter, or "how many days before"? Couldn't she have an assistant, even if a very temporary "assistant", do the deliveries on the "appropriate" day(s)? GC

[emphasis added] But here is another thought. The passports are good for 10 years. What if you see another cruise, with a great sale price, especially possible occasionally for last minute travel, when someone may have cancelled late? We've been on both sides of that, cancelling days before a planned departure [yes, travel insurance, thank goodness! 😉 ] and also finding a terrific forward view suite for an Alaska cruise, at almost the last minute, at an incredibly low price. We *pounced*, and had the best view of the Alaska coast, with a huge balcony and hot tub, the entire way from Vancouver to Seward! (No, that trip wouldn't have *required* a passport, but some others would.) Point is, once you have the passport, you just don't have to worry about that for another 10 years (well, 9, given the need to plan ahead for the renewal). Especially these days, getting a passport usually isn't a fast process, and I doubt it will change much very fast. It's just one less thing to need to deal with in the future: Does Caribbean Cruise X on cruiseline A need a passport or not? (You can read in several CC sections about how the requirements aren't always clear, and a cruiseline might have more restrictive policies - meaning requiring a passport - even if all the ports of call do not require them...) Or what if you happen to see a really inviting short trip to Europe (or wherever...), at a great price. Those do show up occasionally, especially in off seasons. If so, you can just head off. That passport (or lack thereof) could be the only thing stopping you from some quickie special trip... OTOH, if you are absolutely certain that you won't ever want to travel "overseas" (cruise or otherwise), then don't bother with the passport just for this one trip if you don't need it. And either way, ENJOY YOUR CRUISE! Our Alaska cruise was also very early in the season, specifically because we wanted to see snow on the coastal mountains. It was magnificent! 🙂 GC

Does your cruise line not provide foam mattress toppers upon request? Have you asked the special needs (whatever that group's name is) about this, in advance? Also ask about your heating pad if it is for medical purposes. Some lines will allow them, with documentation about the medical need. GC

Just call the airline to make the reservations and explain. That will also allow the airline to link the reservations and give seat assignments together, etc. What are the ages of the children? If both parents of the children will not be accompanying them when crossing borders, you should get the paperwork permissions signed and notarized by any parent who will not be present. You may be asked for this when showing up to board the cruise. Enjoy! GC

It's only the names of *travel agents* that cannot be posted. Names/contacts for insurance, excursions, supply information, etc., are fine to be shared. GC

There are some affinity groups that organize group travel (along with other activities). These could be alumni associations, or places like museum groups. And some travel agencies may also plan "group trips". I'm not sure if we are allowed to mention some of those. I don't think they work as regular "travel agents", meaning, we couldn't contact them and make a reservation for "just us" to go on a cruise or other trip. You might try Googling terms like "group excursions" and get started there. Again, I don't think these are regular travel agencies, but I'm not sure if posting the names of some of them is allowed. GC

So... it was 100% of two times? Quelle horreur!! However, you obviously don't like American Airlines, so equally obviously, you should fly with other airlines... and hope you have better luck. When these things happen, it isn't because the airline *wants* to disrupt their service (or any specific passenger's, such as yourself..."This is the second time that this has been done to me.") and all of the passengers (who need to get rescheduled, etc.), plus the connecting flights/etc., just like you were experiencing. GC

That can depend upon the cruise line. We were quite surprised several years ago when we were looking at a Hurtigruten 14 day round-trip coastal trip. There was a "noticeable" deposit that was not refundable, full stop. And last time I looked, their "penalty" had become much higher. So it isn't necessarily the country one lives in or one books in. We live in the USA and we booked through their US office. Fortunately, we were able to go, and we had one of our most memorable trips. (We haven't had an "early penalty" quite like that for any other trip... thus far...!) Note: In cases like this, when we book very early with significant non-refundable deposits (or any significant early costs), we would always make sure we had CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) travel insurance coverage. With our policies, at least we'd get back 75%. GC

From reading posts from those in other countries (we are in the USA), it also seems that deadlines and penalty dates/amounts may be different. So make sure you understand ALL of the differences using a TA in another country. GC

If you happen to post about this again (another "new" thread) - and for others - please put the country in the *title* (especially if it is not the USA, given that most who ask here are in fact asking about the USA; and even here, the actual State can matter). It's too bad that on CC, we aren't able to edit the main title if that becomes helpful. That way, you'll maximize the number of eyes that see the country name, and you'll be more likely to get those who are familiar with insurance "there" to try to help. I'm not sure if there is anything other than travel insurance such that where one lives is so important and makes such a difference - rather than where one is going/etc.! [And if you are in fact legal residents Ohio and not Germany, then please ignore what I wrote above 😉 ... although I'm not sure why "Germany" is what you show under your UserID name... ] GC

"In effect, once you pass through PreClearance, you are in the "United States", and your flight is a domestic flight. " On the off chance that someone is meeting you (instead of your taking a taxi or Uber/etc.), they should know *where* the pre-cleared AC flights arrive. It's likely not going to be at an "International Terminal". In BOS, at least in years past (please check in case it's changed), AC flights arrive (and depart from) AC's little home at the very end of the (American Airlines?) terminal. It works like any other *domestic* gate/terminal: No customs/immigration upon departure (you'll clear upon arrival in CA) and no C/I upon arrival (you pre-cleared before take-off in CA). GC

As Izzy'sMoms suggested, you'll really need to post your specific itinerary if you want those with specific experiences to make suggestions other than "try Google!". There isn't any "this particular itinerary" that is the same for all Med voyages, even those with the same number of nights or the same departure and end ports. I can assure you that we wish there were "exact repeats" more often. 🙂 We had what was, for us, a PERFECT itinerary in the Med on Oceania several years ago. MIL got sick a few days before our planned flight to Europe... and we had to cancel the cruise and additional land trips we'd arranged before and after. We can do the land parts anytime (and we've already taken care of one of them). And we can do *some* of those ports, but even with 2 or maybe even 3 cruises, aside from more overlap than we would like, there's one port that is very seldomly included, and it was near a very specific destination I was hoping to show DH, who had never been there. That cruise was sold out quite early; I still wonder why O doesn't repeat it! Just copy and paste the destinations. Most other CC members aren't going to try to guess which cruise you mean *and* then go look it up to find the ports. GC

That would certainly be the scenic route! 😁 And good thinking, too... clearing customs/immigration should be easier in Vancouver! 😉 GC