Now is the time to take off a month and sail from Singapore to Southampton on the new Cunarder, the Queen Victoria, or all the way to New York on the grand ocean liner Queen Mary 2.
The most exciting segment of the 2009 world cruise of the Queen Victoria departs Singapore on 19 March 2009, and arrives in Southampton on 20 April, after a 32 day voyage around India, up to Dubai, through the Suez Canal, into Turkey and Greece, through the Mediterranean, and our into the Atlantic up to Southampton.
When Cunard began selling the voyage, the lowest price was US$7315 for an inside (no window) cabin. With the voyage soon upon us, and unfilled space, Cunard just announced a dramatic drop in price. The same cabin can now be had for only US$4199. This comes to $131 per day.
At the same time, the Queen Mary 2 is completing her third world cruise, and offers a segment from Singapore to New York for an amazingly low price. Taking only 31 days, the QM2 will follow roughly the same route as the QV, but carry on across the Atlantic to New York for only US$2899, or only $94 per day. The Mary leaves Singapore on 14 March, docking in New York on 14 April 2009. That is less than the price of a good hotel room, and includes room service.
Honestly, it is nearly impossible to get that many destinations for that low a price, and be housed and fed for a month, all while ending up right back in North America.
15 December 2008
04 December 2008
Bangkok & Mumbai Travel Situation
This past week has not been the best of times to fly into either Mumbai or Bangkok airports.
Thailand's capital city has been struck by airport paralysis as angry pro-democracy demonstrators invaded the airports and shut down commercial service to one of Asia's most popular cities.
The deadly attacks in central Mumbai last week did not target the airport, but have disrupted life and caused fear amongst the travelling public.
These airports are now open for scheduled international air traffic. You can safely use these airports for tourism and business travel. However, various international airlines, such as Air Canada, are willing to make changes to tickets to both cities in light of the current situations. Check with your airline or travel agent if you are still concerned.
Canadians do not need a visa to visit Thailand.
India absolutely requires Canadians to have a visa before travel. Click here for an Indian visa.
Thailand's capital city has been struck by airport paralysis as angry pro-democracy demonstrators invaded the airports and shut down commercial service to one of Asia's most popular cities.
The deadly attacks in central Mumbai last week did not target the airport, but have disrupted life and caused fear amongst the travelling public.
These airports are now open for scheduled international air traffic. You can safely use these airports for tourism and business travel. However, various international airlines, such as Air Canada, are willing to make changes to tickets to both cities in light of the current situations. Check with your airline or travel agent if you are still concerned.
Canadians do not need a visa to visit Thailand.
India absolutely requires Canadians to have a visa before travel. Click here for an Indian visa.
26 November 2008
The Queen is Dead
This morning Cunard's venerable ocean liner QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 arrived at the port of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates: its final stop on a forty-year voyage.
Launched in 1967 and in service in 1969, the ocean liner has sailed the equivalent of thirteen round trips to the moon. She has carried over two million passengers. She has even been to war: ferrying troops to the Falklands/Malvinas in 1982.
I had the pleasure of being on her last true round-the-world cruise in 2007, and can truly say I will miss this ship and all who sailed on her.
The QE2 now becomes an attraction in Dubai, and will be turned into a hotel, convention centre, and museum. So if you did not have the pleasure and privilege of sailing on her, you can now visit her in a climate more welcoming than the cold North Atlantic!
Now the excitement builds as we anxiously await news of the replacement Queen Elizabeth, or as I call her, "the QE New".
Launched in 1967 and in service in 1969, the ocean liner has sailed the equivalent of thirteen round trips to the moon. She has carried over two million passengers. She has even been to war: ferrying troops to the Falklands/Malvinas in 1982.
I had the pleasure of being on her last true round-the-world cruise in 2007, and can truly say I will miss this ship and all who sailed on her.
The QE2 now becomes an attraction in Dubai, and will be turned into a hotel, convention centre, and museum. So if you did not have the pleasure and privilege of sailing on her, you can now visit her in a climate more welcoming than the cold North Atlantic!
Now the excitement builds as we anxiously await news of the replacement Queen Elizabeth, or as I call her, "the QE New".
19 November 2008
World Toilet Day
Today is international World Toilet Day. The day is meant to bring attention to the single greatest health issue on the planet: sanitation. With close to 80 per cent of all disease being caused by fecal matter, the problems of access to toilets is a global one.
It is estimated that 2.6 Billion people do not have access to sanitation facilities. This means about 40 per cent of the world’s population lives their lives literally surrounded by excrement. This does not mean they do not have a toilet as we know it, but that they do not even have a bucket or the knowledge of sanitation measures.
Now imagine if somehow all people had access to toilets. All of a sudden we would cut the prevalence of disease by billions of cases per year. Medical and drug costs would drop. People would be healthier.
Now what does this have to do with travel? Well, as travellers seek more exotic locations, they are faced with more places without enhanced or even basic sanitation means. Let’s face it: having to go to the bathroom in some places in Africa and Asia is a trying experience for us soft Canadians. As a seasoned traveller I recommend you always carry a small roll of toilet paper on your person whilst travelling. And let’s be truthful here: it can be very useful not just in a village in Cambodia, but also in an airport boarding lounge. Before travel to an exotic location, I collect the ends of regular toilet paper rolls. The last bit of the roll is small and convenient to carry. Removing the cardboard tube helps. Put it in a zip-lock bag if it might get wet.
To learn more about world Toilet Day, visit the World Toilet Organization (WTO) by clicking here.
And wash your hands.
It is estimated that 2.6 Billion people do not have access to sanitation facilities. This means about 40 per cent of the world’s population lives their lives literally surrounded by excrement. This does not mean they do not have a toilet as we know it, but that they do not even have a bucket or the knowledge of sanitation measures.
Now imagine if somehow all people had access to toilets. All of a sudden we would cut the prevalence of disease by billions of cases per year. Medical and drug costs would drop. People would be healthier.
Now what does this have to do with travel? Well, as travellers seek more exotic locations, they are faced with more places without enhanced or even basic sanitation means. Let’s face it: having to go to the bathroom in some places in Africa and Asia is a trying experience for us soft Canadians. As a seasoned traveller I recommend you always carry a small roll of toilet paper on your person whilst travelling. And let’s be truthful here: it can be very useful not just in a village in Cambodia, but also in an airport boarding lounge. Before travel to an exotic location, I collect the ends of regular toilet paper rolls. The last bit of the roll is small and convenient to carry. Removing the cardboard tube helps. Put it in a zip-lock bag if it might get wet.
To learn more about world Toilet Day, visit the World Toilet Organization (WTO) by clicking here.
And wash your hands.
11 November 2008
Brazil - new prices
Bad news. Due to recent fast and furious dollar fluctuations and depreciation, fees for Brazilian visas have been upped dramatically.
As of November 2008 there are new fees for a Brazilian visa. Tourist visa prices jumped 50% from the old $90 to the new $135 per person. The business visa is also higher, at $126 per person. Prices for US citizens living in Canada have climbed to an astonishing $252 per person.
So if you are visiting Brazil by plane or ship or bus, or even stopping for a day at Iguaza Falls on the Argentine border, you need a visa at the new price. Visas acquired at the old price are still valid if they have not reached their expiry date.
Click here for Brazilian visa details.
As of November 2008 there are new fees for a Brazilian visa. Tourist visa prices jumped 50% from the old $90 to the new $135 per person. The business visa is also higher, at $126 per person. Prices for US citizens living in Canada have climbed to an astonishing $252 per person.
So if you are visiting Brazil by plane or ship or bus, or even stopping for a day at Iguaza Falls on the Argentine border, you need a visa at the new price. Visas acquired at the old price are still valid if they have not reached their expiry date.
Click here for Brazilian visa details.
09 November 2008
CHINA NEWS FLASH - FAST SERVICE
There is good news in Visaville.
Quietly and without notice the Chinese embassy in Canada began processing visa requests in under 48 hours if required and if paid at double the standard rate.
So we are once again pleased to offer Now visa service for China. If your application arrives before 09:30, then it will be handed back by the Chinese the next day.
The fee for this new fast service, re-instated now that the Olympics are past and things have settled down in China, is only $125.
The other good news is that multiple-entry visas are again available if you can prove you had one in the past. A previous multi visa in your current or previous passport is proof. Of course, you have to provide the old passport in case of the latter.
So click here to get your Chinese visa from VSC: Canada's best and most trusted visa provider.
Quietly and without notice the Chinese embassy in Canada began processing visa requests in under 48 hours if required and if paid at double the standard rate.
So we are once again pleased to offer Now visa service for China. If your application arrives before 09:30, then it will be handed back by the Chinese the next day.
The fee for this new fast service, re-instated now that the Olympics are past and things have settled down in China, is only $125.
The other good news is that multiple-entry visas are again available if you can prove you had one in the past. A previous multi visa in your current or previous passport is proof. Of course, you have to provide the old passport in case of the latter.
So click here to get your Chinese visa from VSC: Canada's best and most trusted visa provider.
05 November 2008
Passports for US travel
WARNING: PASSPORT REQUIRED !
Even with the defeat of the Bush group in Washington, there is to be no respite for travellers. As of 01 June 2009, all people seeking entry to the United States of America by land, sea or air will need to present a full passport.
At the beginning of 2008, the US Department of Homeland Security and the US border agency began requiring all air passengers to present a passport in order to board a flight to the USA. At that time land and sea border crossings needed only a birth certificate and another item of government photo identification such as a driving license. But this was only temporary.
No border crossing into the USA will be possible without a regular passport. This becomes the rule as of next June: only seven months from now.
So go out and get your passport renewed, or get your first-ever passport. Visit the passport office on-line here. Passports applied for in person take two weeks, or four weeks if by mail. For 24 hour service you pay an extra $70 above the basic passport fee of $87; but you have to apply in person. Those wanting more pages should pay the extra $5 for a double-thick passport.
And remember, any visa you already have in your passport automatically expires with the passport, and cannot be transferred to the new passport. Your passport number will change, too. So if you applied for anything under the old passport, or used the old passport as ID for a cruise ticket, this will all have to be changed. Remember to update your airline on-line preferences, as these are automated to hasten border crossing procedures and linked to your old passport.
Even with the defeat of the Bush group in Washington, there is to be no respite for travellers. As of 01 June 2009, all people seeking entry to the United States of America by land, sea or air will need to present a full passport.
At the beginning of 2008, the US Department of Homeland Security and the US border agency began requiring all air passengers to present a passport in order to board a flight to the USA. At that time land and sea border crossings needed only a birth certificate and another item of government photo identification such as a driving license. But this was only temporary.
No border crossing into the USA will be possible without a regular passport. This becomes the rule as of next June: only seven months from now.
So go out and get your passport renewed, or get your first-ever passport. Visit the passport office on-line here. Passports applied for in person take two weeks, or four weeks if by mail. For 24 hour service you pay an extra $70 above the basic passport fee of $87; but you have to apply in person. Those wanting more pages should pay the extra $5 for a double-thick passport.
And remember, any visa you already have in your passport automatically expires with the passport, and cannot be transferred to the new passport. Your passport number will change, too. So if you applied for anything under the old passport, or used the old passport as ID for a cruise ticket, this will all have to be changed. Remember to update your airline on-line preferences, as these are automated to hasten border crossing procedures and linked to your old passport.
03 November 2008
Brazilian financial requirements
For reasons unknown to the general public, the Brazilian government has carved up Canada into four consular jurisdictions for the purpose of issuing visas for tourist and business travel.
For visa applications to any and all of the jurisdictions, we at VSC require applicants to provide financial data. The standard requirement is that all applicants provide either a recent bank statement with their name on it, or their recent Revenue Canada "Notice of Assessment" which usually arrives about two weeks after you file your taxes.
Now some people naturally disagree with having to supply what they rightly see as personal financial information. Of course, the Brazilian government is under no obligation to provide a visa, either!
Making the whole thing even more complicated is the fact that the four jurisdictions have different financial requirements.
Ottawa: "self-employed or unemployed applicants must present statement of earnings. Statements of earnings of spouses or parents in case of students can be accepted."
Ontario: None listed.
Eastern Canada: "proof of financial means: - copy of recent bank statement, with complete name of the account holder; - copy of last income tax."
Western Canada: "Proof of income or employment: - copy of recent bank statement, with complete name of the account holder; - copy of recent pay stub; - copy of last income tax."
The lesson is that the requirements are on average for everyone (not just the self- or unemployed). Only Toronto does not specifically ask for the info, but is still subject to the rules set down by the Embassy in Ottawa. This is why we inform people of the requirement to provide either the Notice of Assessment, or a recent bank statement. Either document must have the name of the person applying on the original document. Photocopies are encouraged. The account number or the SIN can be deleted.
I hope this explains why we stand by this requirement. There is no use in having the visa process grind to a halt just before an important and expensive departure just because a simple document was not submitted.
For visa applications to any and all of the jurisdictions, we at VSC require applicants to provide financial data. The standard requirement is that all applicants provide either a recent bank statement with their name on it, or their recent Revenue Canada "Notice of Assessment" which usually arrives about two weeks after you file your taxes.
Now some people naturally disagree with having to supply what they rightly see as personal financial information. Of course, the Brazilian government is under no obligation to provide a visa, either!
Making the whole thing even more complicated is the fact that the four jurisdictions have different financial requirements.
Ottawa: "self-employed or unemployed applicants must present statement of earnings. Statements of earnings of spouses or parents in case of students can be accepted."
Ontario: None listed.
Eastern Canada: "proof of financial means: - copy of recent bank statement, with complete name of the account holder; - copy of last income tax."
Western Canada: "Proof of income or employment: - copy of recent bank statement, with complete name of the account holder; - copy of recent pay stub; - copy of last income tax."
The lesson is that the requirements are on average for everyone (not just the self- or unemployed). Only Toronto does not specifically ask for the info, but is still subject to the rules set down by the Embassy in Ottawa. This is why we inform people of the requirement to provide either the Notice of Assessment, or a recent bank statement. Either document must have the name of the person applying on the original document. Photocopies are encouraged. The account number or the SIN can be deleted.
I hope this explains why we stand by this requirement. There is no use in having the visa process grind to a halt just before an important and expensive departure just because a simple document was not submitted.
23 October 2008
Pets abroad - by air and sea
With more and more restrictions on travel, it is getting more difficult to take your pet cat or dog abroad.
My preferred method of pet transport from Canada to Europe is by ocean liner. Cunard Lines has a purpose-built kennel compound on the Queen Mary 2. The twelve kennels are overseen by a full-time kennel master who feeds, cares for, and walks the animals. Owners can visit and spend time in the kennel compound with their pets. This expensive service is only available trans-Atlantic, and must be booked well in advance. Also, in order to land a pet in the UK, it must be quarantined for six months. This tends to cut down on the desirability of such ports. However, a sailing to France or Germany would avoid such bizarre restrictions.
For those of us without the time and money to sail to Europe or anywhere else, there is the usual way: Air Canada. Air Canada only allows cats and dogs, and no longer allows them in the cabin with passengers unless they are trained and certified service animals (guide dogs for the blind) and are pre-registered with Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk.
All pets must travel in the baggage compartment as checked luggage. You have to pre-register your pet within 24 hours of booking your ticket (1-888-247-2262). Within Canada and the USA the additional cost for a pet is $105 plus taxes; and for any other destination $270 plus taxes. Kennels must weigh less than 32 kg. “International regulations state that the pet carrier must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, Air Canada must refuse transport.” (Air Canada) Please note no airline accepts any responsibility for the death or injury of pets carried by the airline at any time.
As planes tend to be full during holiday periods, there are no pets carried on Air Canada during the Christmas and New Years’ period (18 December - 7 January); and during the summer (20 June - 10 September). During the winter period pets will not be carried on the CRJ and Embraer aircraft due to unheated cargo holds. Also, during the summer you cannot send you pet through the following airports: ATL, MCO, MIA, FLL, LAS, IAH, PHX.
NEVER ever tranquilize your pet before travel: this causes illness and the pet cannot take care of itself when drugged. As an aside, please refrain from dressing them in costumes at Halloween: it degrades you and the animal.
According to Air Canada, here are some current restrictions on pet transport in the most popular destinations.
AUSTRALIA Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
CANADA Contact the Animal Health Division of Agriculture Canada.
EUROPEAN UNION A Health certificate information form must be filed.
HONG KONG Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
JAMAICA Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
NEW ZEALAND Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Pets are not accepted due to quarantine laws.
UNITED KINGDOM Pets are not accepted into or through the UK in the baggage compartment due to quarantine laws. Air Canada was the first North American carrier allowed to participate in United Kingdom's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which permits pet dogs and cats to enter U.K as cargo without the usual 6 months quarantine as long as certain conditions are met. Customers wishing to travel with a service animal should contact the Medical Assistance Desk at Air Canada Reservations.
UNITED STATES of AMERICA Pets can only travel via cargo. Pets cannot be shipped to Hawaii at all due to extremely strict agricultural regulations.
My preferred method of pet transport from Canada to Europe is by ocean liner. Cunard Lines has a purpose-built kennel compound on the Queen Mary 2. The twelve kennels are overseen by a full-time kennel master who feeds, cares for, and walks the animals. Owners can visit and spend time in the kennel compound with their pets. This expensive service is only available trans-Atlantic, and must be booked well in advance. Also, in order to land a pet in the UK, it must be quarantined for six months. This tends to cut down on the desirability of such ports. However, a sailing to France or Germany would avoid such bizarre restrictions.
For those of us without the time and money to sail to Europe or anywhere else, there is the usual way: Air Canada. Air Canada only allows cats and dogs, and no longer allows them in the cabin with passengers unless they are trained and certified service animals (guide dogs for the blind) and are pre-registered with Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk.
All pets must travel in the baggage compartment as checked luggage. You have to pre-register your pet within 24 hours of booking your ticket (1-888-247-2262). Within Canada and the USA the additional cost for a pet is $105 plus taxes; and for any other destination $270 plus taxes. Kennels must weigh less than 32 kg. “International regulations state that the pet carrier must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, Air Canada must refuse transport.” (Air Canada) Please note no airline accepts any responsibility for the death or injury of pets carried by the airline at any time.
As planes tend to be full during holiday periods, there are no pets carried on Air Canada during the Christmas and New Years’ period (18 December - 7 January); and during the summer (20 June - 10 September). During the winter period pets will not be carried on the CRJ and Embraer aircraft due to unheated cargo holds. Also, during the summer you cannot send you pet through the following airports: ATL, MCO, MIA, FLL, LAS, IAH, PHX.
NEVER ever tranquilize your pet before travel: this causes illness and the pet cannot take care of itself when drugged. As an aside, please refrain from dressing them in costumes at Halloween: it degrades you and the animal.
According to Air Canada, here are some current restrictions on pet transport in the most popular destinations.
AUSTRALIA Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
CANADA Contact the Animal Health Division of Agriculture Canada.
EUROPEAN UNION A Health certificate information form must be filed.
HONG KONG Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
JAMAICA Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
NEW ZEALAND Pets can only travel via cargo due to strict controls.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Pets are not accepted due to quarantine laws.
UNITED KINGDOM Pets are not accepted into or through the UK in the baggage compartment due to quarantine laws. Air Canada was the first North American carrier allowed to participate in United Kingdom's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which permits pet dogs and cats to enter U.K as cargo without the usual 6 months quarantine as long as certain conditions are met. Customers wishing to travel with a service animal should contact the Medical Assistance Desk at Air Canada Reservations.
UNITED STATES of AMERICA Pets can only travel via cargo. Pets cannot be shipped to Hawaii at all due to extremely strict agricultural regulations.
13 October 2008
Sail the Mekong
Until now, quickly and comfortably sailing up or down the Mekong River between Saigon and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, had been impossible. There was either speedboat service which was fast and uncomfortable, or slow boat service which was very comfortable but took a week.
That is all set to change with the introduction in July 2009 of the new riverboat now being built in Saigon by the international riverboat company Pandaw Cruises. Pandaw is about to launch the RV Indochina Pandaw, with only thirty cabins, and holding a maximum of 60 passengers. The Indochina Pandaw will make a two night journey (up to three a week) along the mighty and massive Mekong River, linking the two large cities of the southern Mekong.
I have personally sailed the Mekong with Pandaw, and can recommend nothing better in all of southeast Asia. You have a mahogany-paneled cabin with air conditioning. Your door opens to the side of the boat and the wrap-around terrace. Meals are a mix of Asian and European foods prepared for a single small sitting. All excursions are included in the ticket price.
This is a great way to see the real Vietnam and the real Cambodia. Watch as life unfolds along the river. Sit atop of the sun deck as the boat glides past villages largely unchanged for hundreds of years. The river really is the only true life-line here, and all life centres around it.
What makes this even better is that the road between the two cities is awful and a very undesirable way to travel. Also, flights are short, but you do not get to experience the river delta region. This is the most productive rice area in the world, and you have to see it from a boat.
There is no better way to combine a trip to Vietnam and a visit to Cambodia than by riverboat.
Lots more information about Pandaw’s new RV Indochina Pandaw can be found here.
Canadians do not need to have a visa for Cambodia before travel. You can buy your visa at the airport or border upon arrival for only US$20. Click here for visa details for Cambodia.
You must have a Vietnamese visa prior to arrival. Click here for visa details for Vietnam.
That is all set to change with the introduction in July 2009 of the new riverboat now being built in Saigon by the international riverboat company Pandaw Cruises. Pandaw is about to launch the RV Indochina Pandaw, with only thirty cabins, and holding a maximum of 60 passengers. The Indochina Pandaw will make a two night journey (up to three a week) along the mighty and massive Mekong River, linking the two large cities of the southern Mekong.
I have personally sailed the Mekong with Pandaw, and can recommend nothing better in all of southeast Asia. You have a mahogany-paneled cabin with air conditioning. Your door opens to the side of the boat and the wrap-around terrace. Meals are a mix of Asian and European foods prepared for a single small sitting. All excursions are included in the ticket price.
This is a great way to see the real Vietnam and the real Cambodia. Watch as life unfolds along the river. Sit atop of the sun deck as the boat glides past villages largely unchanged for hundreds of years. The river really is the only true life-line here, and all life centres around it.
What makes this even better is that the road between the two cities is awful and a very undesirable way to travel. Also, flights are short, but you do not get to experience the river delta region. This is the most productive rice area in the world, and you have to see it from a boat.
There is no better way to combine a trip to Vietnam and a visit to Cambodia than by riverboat.
Lots more information about Pandaw’s new RV Indochina Pandaw can be found here.
Canadians do not need to have a visa for Cambodia before travel. You can buy your visa at the airport or border upon arrival for only US$20. Click here for visa details for Cambodia.
You must have a Vietnamese visa prior to arrival. Click here for visa details for Vietnam.
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