Egret32

Thanks.  Indeed I have taken the time to match my current policy and my next trip.

The current one is at least $300 more on Insure.... and about $150 more on Insure...both with primary medical, but less coverage overall.  Have another trip to price out shortly--and not a cruise, so that will be interesting.  I usually compare many sites before I buy.  One really good one for annual policies is called DiverDan...meant for Scuba, but really a good deal for many trips.

$100,000 medical is probably enough everywhere in the world EXCEPT USA!  In some countries, they treat you for free!

2 minutes ago, Ep010835 said:

 

Will you share your deal like I did.

I think that's what we need to know.  I think it is great to talk to the owner.  More important when you have a serious CLAIM!

This is a competitive biz.  The big problem with Squaremouth is that it is funny name!  They do interesting promotions and a lot of the Tampa Bay area.  But I buy by product and price.  Last week they gave $10,000 to the first buyer who read the fine print to call if they read this and were the first and would get $10,000.  To encourage people to read the policy.  Again, all about PRICE and value.

13 minutes ago, Ep010835 said:

In the policy language of the Travel Insured policy I buy from Steve at tripinsurancestore.com, there is specific language that they will contact the healthcare provider at your location and provide a monetary guarantee for your treatment. 

 

Means you don't necessarily need to have a high limit credit card (although still highly advised) to check into a hospital, clinic or other emergency care facility wherever you are in the world. 

 

Nice feeling. 

Yes, that guarantee is what I meant.  You don't have to put up all that cash, since they will pay primary.

Now I am really curious.  I went to your site and put in the upcoming cruise and what I insured for.  The policy I bought is for $10,000, 

Thanks for the clarification.  In some cases, the company will help pay the bill while you are abroad.  In most cases, you have to file the claim.  We DO have Medicare supplemental that pays abroad.  (Part J) . But this is no longer available.  There are a few policies that will cover.  If you travel a lot, it might be worth it.  Also, ANNUAL travel insurance policies are great if you travel a lot.  We get them some years.  We also add MEDJET (annual), but not this time.  And who is Steve?

Next time I will compare prices on your site and see how it works.  

4 minutes ago, Ep010835 said:

 

Excellent point. There is at least one exception to this rule. Policies purchased through tripinsurancestore.com are sold at the exact same cost as buying directly from the insurer. When I go to their website and enter all of my information and hit "purchase now", I'm linked over to the insurer's website where I re-enter my information and finalize the purchase. The commission Steve receives is paid by the insurer, not the insured. 

There are other consolidators like tripinsurancestore.com. I don't know how they handle the commission issue but it's nice to know that there is at least one consolidator out there that does not charge a commission to the consumer. 

Not sure who Steve is.   At Squaremouth.com, you can find the best policy and CALL them, and pay less based on what you have put down.  Probably can do on tripinsurancestore too.    ANY time there is a commission paid, it is factored into your price, of course.  If you are happy with the price, that's fine.  But you are paying it.  Just like when you pay your travel agent, they get a commission from Princess.  Sometimes you can get it cheaper, sometimes there is only one retail price.  That said, the reasons some of us get perks--like specialty meals, excursions etc. paid by our travel agents (and not when you buy directly) is because they are taking a cut in their commission by giving you goodies so you will continue to book with them.  It's the system, which is fine as long as you know it.  The only thing that matters is that you get could coverage for the best price AND they make a claim easy and fair.  I prefer one company now since their claim process was so easy, quick, and fair.  And they are often the cheapest policy for the best coverage.  

Another thing I am sure to buy is 150% trip interruption.  I once had that and it sure is expensive to buy last-minute  tickets in an emergency.  NOW, let's all be healthy and safe for this trip!

It's great that people are getting better informed about travel insurance.  It is so easy to buy the cruise insurance--especially once you are Platinum and get the better policy for the lower price.  A lot of people also purchase from their travel agent.  I used to as well, but agent's get a commission, so the policies are more expensive.  My agent gives great service if you have a claim--she does all the paperwork--but some of the claims can be done online and are not difficult.  A friend was going on a cruise this winter and spent 2 weeks in Florida prior to the cruise. (He's not from the USA) . He ended up in the hospital here and discovered his travel policy ONLY covered the cruise and ended up with a $100,000+ bill!  (We negotiated it down to $15,000!)

So, if like us, you often extend cruises to time before or after the cruise, you need a policy that covers the whole trip.

One of the best ways to find what you need are on the insurance comparison sites.  The one I used in January was not the best one for this trip.  Prices fluctuate.

People also MUST educate themselves about pre-existing conditions and how they affect the date you must buy insurance.  (What YOU think is a preexisting condition, is often NOT the case, if you have been stable with no new meds or treatment for X long.  X is different in every policy.) . You do NOT have to put down all the money at once to have pre-existing coverage.  You just have to cover your deposit and add to it when you get plane tickets or final payment.

And the coverage is so much better for the money, but as you see here, PRIMARY medical is essential and not expensive.  Otherwise, you may have to pay up front and attempt to get reimbursement from your regular insurance first--or wait till all or some is denied.  Somewhere on CC there should be a permanent insurance section.

I love this company.  If you have preexisting conditions you can just insure your DEPOSIT and then pay more when you make your final payment.  So if you cancel cruise, you are only out a few hundred dollars vs. the full amount your agent might charge.

Also you MAY NOT have preexisting condition.  Read the fine print.  Example: You have diabetes, but have been on the same meds for a year or more.  If you did not change your dose or have a problem with it for X months before buying the policy, it is NOT a preexisting condition if you have a diabetes related incident on the trip.  The amount of time can be 3-6 months before policy purchase.  Check.

And read the fine print.

 https://www.tampabay.com/business/she-read-the-fine-print-on-her-insurance-policy-it-won-her-10000-in-a-contest-20190305/

Considering Club Class...I am hearing impaired and the biggest problem I have is the noise in the MDRs. I really work hard to get a quiet table in a corner if possible. If seated in the middle of the room, I can't hear the conversation at all. (I wear bluetooth hearing aids.) . Is CC quieter? Is it easier to get a quieter table?

I use a TA who specializes in cruises and works from home. However, she is part of a large consortium that often has specials for certain cruises. She hates people to ask her to do whole custom trips and then have them shift her work to a discount agency etc. If you called her and said, "What perks are you offering?", she would not solicit your business. But, if you book with her, she always is super generous about on board credits and gifts (from her commission), plus will quote you what her consortium is offering. Sometimes her consortium can get a much better deal plus things like free breakfasts or meals or upgrades with hotels. She never charges to change anything--most discount firms will...so if you want to change your cabin, change your dates, add a back-to-back, she is more than willing to jump through those hopes. Finally, on several occasions people traveling with us have had to cancel due to illness or family issues. If she purchased the insurance for you, she does ALL the complex paperwork as part of her service--for no commission. And she truly cares about the experience you have had. In the end, I always get lots more with my TA, plus all kinds of hand-holding and advice.

Does anyone know what happens once the Majestic is finished with the crossing and maiden voyages?

No bookings seem to be available or itineraries. Do you have to live in China?

Why haven't they published any voyages on the Majestic Princess after its maiden voyage arrival in Singapore?

They must be selling other itineraries, but are these completely closed to non-Chinese residents?

We love Rome Cabs. For the last trip, we were picked up early in the morning at our hotel near the airport. We spent the morning on one of their special pre-cruise tours ending in an incredible lunch. Then we arrived at the ship about 3 PM, in plenty of time for our sailing. Highly recommend the trip which includes Lake Brianciano and a Castle.

Weddings? Maybe good PR, but country of registration is ONLY

about taxation!

For Alaska cruising with Denali land tour--they seem fussy about what sort of carry-on luggage you can have on the train and bus. Are there any overhead racks. Would a small roll-aboard be okay?

I always

1. Fax

2. Send my snail mail to Santa Clarita

3. Take the documentation on board in case the credit is not on my bill.

All 3 have been needed at times.

Still, it's well worth it!

Hi Gay...based on the info in this link, it appears that the shareholder OBC program is valid on all of the Carnival Corporation's cruise lines.

 

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9Mjc0MjIzfENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1

 

We bought them at about the same price in 2011 and enjoyed using the SOBC on the Crown when we sailed with you ending in Galveston in late 2012. We've made up our investment in OBC and dividends while the value has increased...win, win! ;)

 

Frank

I saw you here. We shared a ride to the airport when our van didn't come.

I think we did get it around then...I think it was before my daughter's wedding on a Carnival ship out of Tampa. But I should have checked the same form--as I have a fax nearby sending our recent stock report to Carnival for a cruise to Alaska in 2 weeks--a last minute deal to get us out of HOT Florida. I don't care if it rains every day!

Where are you going next?

I'm trying to find out info about the Majestic in China, but nothing on line past its arrival.

Best to all.

I almost had DH talked into part of the repositioning to Asia, but he checked out the weather in June and nixed it. We live in Florida and he only likes to travel in COOL weather.

So, I can't find a site talking about the Asian itineraries once it gets to China.

I lived in China as a child, so I'm quite interested. We're doing the Diamond in Japan next year.

I bought it close to $30 a share and have taken several Carnival and about 6 Princess cruises--most have been over 14 days. So I have thousands back in OBC. Add that to the appreciation of more than 30%, plus the dividends, and it is a winner! Of course, it predisposes us to travel on the brand (and I am not sure it applies to ALL Carnival brands (please check), but if you plan to even cruise once a year for 14 days or more, it is well worth it.

Traveling with son's family including an 18 month old and we want to do a few highlights by foot or local transportation. We're renting a car in the other ports.

Any ideas for easy, fun, appropriate places in order of preference?

Been to Alaska before, but never cruised there.

I've taken all this good advice and rented cars in all ports. Really good deals compared to tours and we like to be independent. Now I am reconsidering Ketchikan as we are only there till 2 PM. Is there enough to do within walking distance in town?

And in Juneau and Skagway, can we drive to a dog mushing spot? If not for a ride, just to see the dogs?

Also, outside of Skagway or Juneau....a few good spots for moderate hikes (the kids and baby are fine. I'm the slowpoke.)

Why didn't I think of that? We do it all the time in Europe--which is more complicated. Any ideas for the easiest rental agencies nearest the port in

Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway?

Where might be the easiest place to see the dog mushers--driving ourselves.

Any other highly recommended (but not too long) drives in those areas?

I assume we can get 4-wheelers. One of us lives up a mountain road, so

we are very familiar.

Grandparents, parents, and very easy 18 month old doing a Princess cruise

in August. Grandparents (us) are very frequent and hardy cruisers and usually do private tours, but try to scale things back with baby in tow. He's very easy, sleeps well, and loves a backpack. Parents often hike with him and he's done well on a trip to visit his Italian family. But we also don't want to annoy other travelers.

We'd like to do half-day private tours (without spending a fortune) for 4 adults and the babe. Dog mushing sounds great as he lives with very big dogs and farm animals and is fearless and we are all dog lovers. Is there a way to get to one of these facilities without a long tour?

Any other ideas in the other locales by Alaska regulars?

Thanks!

You were on Quasar's EVOLUTION! It was fabulous, but since I was with you I think we were not on the Equinox!

We can tell the person she should have HAD insurance, but she did not.

Let's be helpful.

The person who suggested going to the media is spot on, even with an insurance co.

Without a long explanation, we had 2 family issues with health insurance companies and the issues were more ethical than legal. We explained our plan (specifically) to go to the media, but gave them a day or two to come up with a reasonable alternative and in both cases (involving an elderly couple and a pregnant woman) they did the Right Thing quickly.

Zika is big in the media and everyone is sympathetic to a pregnant woman and a babymoon. (We took our daughter on a baby moon to the Caribbean on on MSC ship for hers!) Given the circumstances, they should

defer the cruise until that baby is born and can legally travel on their ships. It will be a different experience, but fun for the family too.

Then, pick your favorite local TV station with a consumer reporter. Then write a letter to the cruise line, copy their PR dept., and the president of the company. Send all out certified return receipt mail.

Let us know what happens.

I AM in the media biz and it works. Alternatively, you can still call the TV station and tell them how great the cruise company was.