IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BOOKED GUESTS
If you have already booked your cruise vacation with BORN TO TRAVEL, please click on the link to GUEST DOCUMENTATION FORM and fill out the necessary information that we will need to PRE-REGISTER you for your cruise vacation. Once we receive the information, we will pre-register you, so that you will have one less thing to worry about.
If you are a returning customer to BORN TO TRAVEL, you do not need to send this to us again, unless there has been a change in your address, phone, or passport information.
KEY TO SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL IS PREPARATION:
If you explore the other links on this page, you will find additional valuable travel information and helpful forms.
KEY TO MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION TIME AND DOLLARS:
Click on the section link that corresponds to your itinerary. There you will find our ideas that will help you save money on your days ashore. You will also find names and phone numbers of our favorite cab drivers and tour operators. You will also find information about shopping, beaches, and and information about your cruise itinerary.
THIS INFORMATION IS GIVEN WITH THE FOLLOWING CAVEAT, we share it because our experience with these people and companies have been wonderful. We do not guarantee that your experience will be the same. We are not affiliated in any way with any of the persons who are mentioned in these sections. We receive no commission from any of the people or places mentioned in the section links to this page.
We do try to keep this information current. Please let us know if you have a problem with any of the phone numbers listed.
For the benefit of our future clients, please let us know if you experience a problem with anyone mentioned on these pages. We will remove them from our information bank.
KEY TO MAKING YOUR NEXT VACATION EVEN BETTER IS FEEDBACK:
Remember, at BORN TO TRAVEL, we believe in providing service to our clients. PLEASE take a minute after you vacation to let us know how we did. Your comments are always welcome, good or bad. We want your repeat business. Share your vacation experience with us and we know you better. That will help us when we are plan your next vacation.
Passports
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED AND MOST CRUISE LINES WILL REQUIRE ALL GUESTS TO HAVE A VALID PASSPORT EVEN IN THE CARIBBEAN
For current passport and visa requirements, go to www.state.gov/travel
AVOID THE RUSH, ORDER YOURS NOW.
You can obtain your passport at most POST OFFICES.
For up to date information about how to apply for a passport you can visit www.travel.state.gov
For the latest information about Passport Acceptance Offices hours and services, visit www.usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777.
Know Before You Go
For the latest travel advisory, passport and visa requirements, and consular information about countries on you itinerary go to : www.state.gov/travel
Guest Documentation Form
Guest Documentation Form (Click here to download)
This form provides us necessary information so that we may complete the required pre-registration form for your cruise. You may fax the completed form to my office at 781-741-2970, phone it in to 781-740-0458 or email it back to borntotravel@comcast.net
Luggage Insert
Luggage Insert (Click here to download)
Fill out and place this information sheet inside each piece of your luggage
Things To Remember - Europe
Preparation for International Travel:
1. If you do not have a frequent flyer number for the airline you are on, or one of its partners, sign up for one now. Once you have the number you can call the airline and have the number recorded with your ticket.
2. Reconfirm e-tickets 72 hours before your flight and reconfirm baggage weight limits. Notify your credit card company of your itinerary so they don't suspend your account on the basis of suspected fraud.
3. Make sure that your have sufficient prescription medications for the entire trip. Do this a few weeks before hand so you aren't in a panic trying to get new prescriptions/or get refills at the last minute. Carry prescription medications on your person. You may want to have back-ups in your suitcase, as well.
4. DO NOT LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT WITHOUT YOUR TICKET< PASSPORT and Cruise ticket and TRIP INSURANCE POLICY.
5. You should make copies of your passport photo page and put them in each of your suitcases.
6. Make sure you know your luggage size/weight limits for the airline on which you will be traveling.
7. You should make a list of the phone number for reporting lost/stolen credit cards and/or traveler's checks to you take with you. Keep it in a separate place from your credit cards.
8. Take more than one credit card and always leave one in the safe on the ship.
9. Make sure that you have PIN numbers for all your credit cards so you can use them in ATM to get cash.
1. Some ATM in Europe have no zero's so if your PIN has a zero, change it.
2. Some ATM in Europe do not have the letters or the letters are printed in a foreign alphabet, on the keypad, just numbers. So if you know your PIN as a word, you have to memorize it as a number.
10. Never use ATM on the ship. Fees are exorbitant.
11. Check with your credit card company to find out what fees they charge when you take cash advances.
BORN TO TRAVEL'S INFO BANK: Western Caribbean Islands
Labadee, Hispaniole:
Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruises Private Island. Great beach day. Get out there and play in the water.
Just past the buffet lunch barbeque you will find a craft market. This place is not for the timid. The sellers are fairly aggressive but there are some good bargains. Be firm, if you are not interested say no thank you and walk on by.
Georgetown Grand Cayman:
Everyone tenders here. So if planning any excursions on your own, be sure to add at least 30 minutes from the time your ship says it is in port to determine when you can schedule a tour.
7 Mile beach is about a $5.00 cab ride from the tender pier. Beautiful stretch of beach, with all the toys. We loved Christine Ebanks, her phone numbers are (345) 917-2856 or (345) 324-9914.
Downtown: shopping for the wealthy.
Our favorite: Catamaran sail and stingray city tour. If you have a large group, we can help set it up directly with Captain Bryan, our favorite. If just a few of you, you can sign up through shoretrips.com or the cruiseline.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica:
Swim with the Horses and Dunn’s River Falls: what a day!!! This is the BEST! After a wonderful ride on beautiful horses you actually go swimming on the horse!!!! Then you ride back to the stables and head to Dunn’s River Falls to climb your way to the top! Best excursion ever taken. Email us for details and pricing.
Belize City, Belize:
Cave tubing: a wonderful adventure. You can purchase it at shoretrips.com or through the cruise line. Minimum age is 8 years old. Warning to parents: you may not be able to stay connected to your child during cave tubing, therefore be sure your child is not afraid of the dark or of the water.
Cozumel, Mexico:
Royal Swim with the Dolphins: you can set this up through the cruise line or through shoretrips.com. If you want to be in the water with the dolphins and get pulled by their fins, you must sign up for the Royal Swim. DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT BUYING THE VIDEO–you will regret it, and it cannot be purchased later.
Chankanaab Marine Park: admission $12.00. Short cab ride from the pier.
Paradise Beach: short cab from the pier, excellent beach, chairs and umbrellas for rent, snorkel equipment to rent, food and drinks.
Glass Bottom Boat/Snorkeling Tour: 3 hours, 3 reefs. Those who fear the water can see through the plexiglass center insert of the small boats. Not for those prone to seasickness if they intend to stay on the boat while others snorkel. Great value. Email us for details.
Panchos Backyard is located downtown. Great Margaritas without the drunks falling on top of you.
Carlos and Charlies: not to be missed by any card-carrying party animal.
Costa Maya Mexico:
Take the tour of the ruins with a Mayan Guide. You won’t forget this one. You can purchase this trip at shoretrips.com or through the cruiseline.
BORN TO TRAVEL'S INFO BANK: Eastern Caribbean Islands
These are some alternatives to the cruise’s shore excursions. Unless you are in a group of six or more, you may have to book shore tours through the cruise line. But, if you just want to do a little shopping or go to a beautiful beach, you can do it on your own. I have put together some suggestions below that are based on my own personal experiences.
Cab Drivers:
I have used the cab drivers shown below on my previous trips to these islands. In each case, I put the cost of the trip, the length of time I spent and the total cost. Tips are not included. Costs have not seemed to fluctuate in the past five years. But these are for reference only and not necessarily correct today.
If you have good luck with someone else, please get their name, number, email (if available) and let me know so I can add it to my info bank for future cruisers. Dial the complete number below if calling from home (USA), dial local number if you call from the pier.
ALWAYS CONFIRM PRICE BEFORE GETTING INTO THE CAB
Save Money, get your dinner companions to join you!
San Juan:
Unless you are a large group, you probably want to go to El Yunque or Arecibo Observatory with the ship’s shore excursions.
Old Town San Juan is great just for walking around. There is a free Trolley Tour bus that you can take a 40 minute overview of Old San Juan. The Sheraton Old San Juan has a casino, restrooms and outdoor café with music on Friday, Sat. and Sun nights. There entertainment is great. It is right across from the cruiseship terminal in Old San Juan. Note that there are other cruiseship terminals so you may have to take a cab to Old San Juan from your ship. The cost is 4 per person one way. Cabs are everywhere.
There is quite a lot of shopping in Old San Juan. If you are taking a cab from the pier, have them drop you off in the shopping district. You can shop/walk back to the Sheraton (waterfront) and grab a cab back. Old San Juan is on a grid pattern, so it is easy to get your bearings.
There is a Coach outlet store in the shopping area. Taxi drivers know where it is.
If you are hungry, there is a nice café with great Puerto Rican cuisine, about two blocks behind the Sheraton. It is Café Puerto Rico. 208 O’Donnell, Plaza Colon. 1-787-724-2281.
Art Galleries in Old San Juan stay open from 6-9 p.m. First Tuesday of month in Sept-Dec. and Feb-May. The phone number for more information is 1-787-723-0692.
St.John’s USVI:
Puff’s Taxi cell phone: 1-340-690-3232
Take ferry from St. Thomas to St. John’s. Ferry from downtown Charlotte Amalie is a little more expensive, but more convenient if you are docket there. Price is $12.00 round-trip and takes 45 minutes. It runs every hour. Call ahead and have Puff meet you at St. John’s ferry terminal at designated time, or just get there and find him. He is very punctual. So if you tell him when to come back to get you, he will be there (tapping his foot if you are late). Price to Trunk Bay is $ 12.00 per person round-trip. There is $4.00 admission to Trunk Bay. Cinnamon bay is same price, no admission charge. Both have showers, snacks, food, restrooms, changing rooms, snorkel equip for rent. If you want to go elsewhere, just negotiate price and times with Puff. Take time to explore the shops in Cruz Bay right along the water where the ferry drops you off. The St. Johns Spice Company has great stuff.
St. Maarten:
If walking path is not completed, just take public water taxi to the town. There is a gorgeous beach right there. Find one of the many beach chair/umbrella sellers and he will take good care of you. I usually stay around “Pirates in Paradise” which is a restaurant with drinks, sandwiches and restrooms. I ask for Joseph Baptiste. He will get you chairs, umbrellas, and cooler to keep beer/soda cold. Servers will come around to sell you drinks.
The beach is one building’s width from the shopping. There are also casinos right there.
Do not go to French side if it is Sunday or a holiday—nothing will be open. I have never been able to tear myself away from the Dutch side.
St. Thomas:
Robert Taxi # 701. Cell: 1-340-690-5178; home: 1-340-775-4789 or any taxi at the pier.
Go to Coki beach (about ½ hour) for swimming/snorkeling. Right next door to beach is Coral World. Round-trip is $14.00 per person. Coki is right next to the Redhook ferry terminal, so if you plan to do St. John’s and Coki, you should get the Ferry in Redhook.
Go to Magen’s Bay to swim. Magen’s Bay cabs around $10.00 per person round-trip.
Tour Operators:
If you want to do a catamaran sail, swim with dolphins, go on a submarine, etc, you are probably going to get the best price with the cruiseline, unless you are traveling with at least four other people.
Shopping:
Booze: St. Maarten is cheaper than St. Thomas
Jewelry: Imperial Jewelers-downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Ask for Charlie. Tell him Liz Dalessio sent you.
Cameras: Royal Caribbean International, downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
Clothing: Antigua: A Thousand Flowers, out of this world flax clothing.
St. Lucia: Oasis, located at cruise terminal duty free shops.
Old San Juan: Coach Outlet
St. John’s: St. John’s Spice Company
Eating/Drinking Establishments:
Cozumel: Pancho's Backyard
St. Maarten: Pirates in Paradise
Beaches:
Shallow snorkeling and swimming. All have restrooms and food/beverages.
Antigua: Turners Beach, Long Bay Beach
Barbados: Folkstone Beach, Crane Beach
St. Maarten: Philipsburg Beach, Orient Bay Beach
St. Thomas: Coki Beach
St. John: Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay
Attractions:
Barbados: Orchid World, Harrison’s Caves, Atlantis Submarine, Mount Gay Rum Factory, Andromeda Gardens
Jamaica: Dunns River Falls
San Juan: Old Town San Juan, San Christobel, El Yunque Rain Forrest
BORN TO TRAVEL'S INFO BANK: Southern Caribbean Islands
These are some alternatives to the cruise’s shore excursions. Unless you are in a group of four or more, you may have to book shore tours through the cruise line. But, if you just want to do a little shopping or go to a beautiful beach, you can do it on your own. I have put together some suggestions below that are based on my own personal experiences.
Cab Drivers:
I have used the cab drivers shown below on my previous trips to these islands. In each case, I put the cost of the trip, the length of time I spent and the total cost. Tips are not included. Costs have not seemed to fluctuate in the past five years. But these are for reference only and not necessarily correct today.
If you have good luck with someone else, please get their name, number, email (if available) and let me know so I can add it to my info bank for future cruisers. Dial the complete number below if calling from home (USA), dial local number if you call from the pier.
ALWAYS CONFIRM PRICE BEFORE GETTING INTO THE CAB
Save Money, get your dinner companions to join you!
Antigua:
Trevor Powell, cab 1793 cell phone: 1-238-724-2993
Round-trip: pier to Turner’s beach in a.m. and pick up Turner’s beach to pier in p.m. (60.00) Same price if 1 or 6 people. We went from 9-2:30. You can certainly get to closer beaches, but this one is BEAUTIFUL. Perfect for swimming with snorkeling around the bluff to your left. Bathrooms and showers, restaurant that serves what looks to be like great food.
Another great beach is Long Bay Beach. Shopping, food and beverage and bathrooms. Windsurfers for rent.
Barbados:
9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. He was with us all day. He took us to Folkstone Beach (swim/snorkel), crane beach/swim (southern tip). We could have also stopped at other sites, we had him for the day.
Prices: cab with driver all day is $ 120.00. Can be split by up to four passengers.
Cab to Folkstone beach for drop off with later pick up is$ 40.00 round trip, can be shared by up to four people. Cab waiting for three hours $ 75.00.
If I was going to Barbados for the first time, I would hire cab for entire day and go to Folkstone beach to swim/snorkel, go to Orchid World, have the cab driver take you to see Bathsheba, visit St. John’s church, and go to Harrison’s caves. You can change out of wet clothes at Folkstone Beach. Pack a lunch you won’t have time to stop for lunch if you do all this.
Dominica:
Ask for John Cooper he goes by “Coop”. Very pleasant, tells you a lot about the Island. You want to see Trafalgar Falls.
Martinique:
Depending on where you are docked, you can either walk to the ferry pier or take a cab. If you see the Old Fort on your right as you look at land, you are downtown and can walk. If you see the Old Fort on your left as you look at land, you need to take a cab to the ferry terminal. It is a very short ride. 10 minutes due to traffic.
Take the ferry to Pointe Du Bout. It is 6.00 roundtrip. Once you arrive at Pointe Du Bout walk past the four or five shop/restaurants on the pier and take first right. Walk past telephone stand, go straight ahead to the beach area. Many restaurants, casino along the strip. There are restrooms to the left and up the hill next to the restaurant with outdoor patio.
Across from the ferry dock in Martinique are some tent merchants selling various stuff. On Merchant is Eric Barro. He makes beautiful coral jewelry. His email is barro.eric@wanadoo.FR.
St.Lucia:
To “the wharf” bar and beach $10.00 per person round-trip. Add $2.50 per person if you want to make a quick stop at spice market. The shopping at the pier is very good in St. Lucia. I like Oasis for clothing.
St.John’s USVI:
Puff’s Taxi cell phone: 1-340-690-3232. If you call him ahead of time, you can call 1-340-774-7457 ext. JP125 leave a message, he will call you back.
Take ferry from St. Thomas to St. John’s. Ferry leaves from two places.
1. Ferry from downtown Charlotte Amalie is a little more expensive, but more convenient. $12.00 round-trip. If you dock in downtown, its probably the easiest to use, although ther ferry ride is longer (45 min). If you dock at Havensight, it’s the same price to take cab to Redhook and Ferry from there. Call ahead and have Puff meet you at St. John’s ferry terminal at designated time, or just get there and find him. He is very punctual. So if you tell him when to come back to get you, he will be there (tapping his foot if you are late). Price to Trunk Bay is $ 10.00 per person round-trip. There is $4.00 admission to Trunk Bay. Cinnamon Bay is also good, no admission cost. Both have snacks, windsurfers for rent, snorkel gear for rent, showers and bathrooms. If you want to go elsewhere, just negotiate price and times with Puff. See St. Thomas notes also.
2. If you dock at Havensight, you can Ferry from Redhook. You take a cab from the peir to Redhook and get on Ferry there. The total cost is 24.00 round trip (for cab and ferry to St. Johns). Now, the ferry runs more frequently from Redhook. If you take a cab from peir to downtown and then take ferry from downtown, the total price is a little higher. It really depends on where your entire day is going. If you are going to shop downtown or if your ship is downtown, the downtown ferry might be better. If you are going to St. Johns and then want to snorkel on St. Thomas at Coki beach, you should go out of Redhook, as Coki beach is two minutes from Redhook. Cabs are plentiful to take you from Redhook Ferry to Coki and from Coki back to ship.
St. Maarten:
If walking path is not completed, just take public water taxi to the town. Depending on which water taxi you get, it may go directly to the pier that is downtown. The alternate taxi stops at what looks like a marina. Ask the driver to be sure you get off at the stop closest to the duty free shops (that is what I call town) . There is a gorgeous beach right there. Find one of the many beach chair/umbrella sellers and they will take good care of you. I usually get a chair by “Pirates in Paradise” which is a restaurant with a drinks and sandwiches. I always ask for Joseph Baptiste. He’s a great guy and will take excellent care of you for the day. He will get you chairs, umbrellas,and cooler to keep beer/soda cold. Servers will come around to sell you drinks.
The beach is one building’s width from the shopping. There are also casinos right there.
Do not go to French side if it is Sunday or a holiday—nothing will be open. I have never been able to tear myself away from the Dutch side.
St. Thomas:
Robert. Taxi number 701. 1-340-690-5178 (cell) 1-340-775-4789 (home) or any taxi at the pier. If you are going over to St. John’s, Robert will call Puff and have him waiting for you.
Go to Coki beach (about ½ hour) for swimming/snorkeling. Right next door to beach is Coral World. Round-trip is $14.00 per person.
Go to Magen’s Bay to swim. Magen’s Bay cabs around $10.00 per person round-trip.
Tortola:
Smitty. 1-284-499-3344. He has a very nice, clean air conditioned van.
Cane Garden Bay is lovely. Some snorkeling at the far left end of the beach. Palm trees, shopping restaurants, home made ice cream. Windsurfers to rent, chairs to rent, etc. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by cab and cost 6.00 one way per person.
He will come back for you at a certain time. In Tortola, they have you pay each way. There are plenty of cabs at Cane Garden Bay so if you don’t want to arrange for a return pick up, you can just grab another cab.
Tour Operators:
If you want to do a catamaran sail, swim with dolphins, go on a submarine, etc, you are probably going to get the best price with the cruiseline, unless you are traveling with at least four other people.
Shopping:
Booze: St. Maarten is cheaper than St. Thomas
Jewelry: Imperial Jewelers-downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Ask for Charlie. Tell him Liz Dalessio sent you.
Cameras: Royal Caribbean International, downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
Clothing: Antigua: A Thousand Flowers, out of this world flax clothing.
St. Lucia: Oasis, located at cruise terminal duty free shops.
Old San Juan: Coach Outlet
Spices: St. Lucia: Spice Market downtown
Barbados: Cruise terminal duty free shops.
Beaches:
Shallow snorkeling and swimming. All have restrooms and food/beverages.
Antigua: Turners Beach, Long Bay Beach
Barbados: Folkstone Beach, Crane Beach
St. Maarten: Phillipsburg Beach, Orient Bay Beach
St. Thomas: Coki Beach, Megen's Bay
St. John: Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay
Attractions:
Barbados: Orchid World, Harrison’s Caves, Atlantis Submarine, Mount Gay Rum Factory, Andromeda Gardens
San Juan: Old Town San Juan, San Christobel, El Yunque Rain Forrest
BORN TO TRAVEL'S INFO BANK: ALASKA
In Fairbanks:
The Bear Lodge hotel gift shop has wonderful Alaskan made items. We have learned that we should have purchased things there, as they ended up being cheaper than other places we went to. Just a tip.
The Pump House Restaurant in Fairbanks is excellent. Cheap cab from hotel. We recommend for lunch or dinner if you have free time.
The Fairbanks Ice Museum, I am told is wonderful. 500 2nd Ave in Fairbanks. 907-451-8222. Its in downtown Fairbanks. The cruise line recommended Hot Tamale restaurant for mexican. It was just ok, in our book.
If you want to whitewater raft, you should try to set it up when you are in Denali. If you want to flightsee over Denali, you should try to set up in Talkeetna. We know tour operators in both places. If you want a flatwater rafting trip, there is one in Talkeetna. Email us for details.
In Junea:
We highly recommend a visit to Mendenhall glacier. You can hike there as well. Or you can take a sea kayak adventure there. We have contacts for kayaking. There is a cheap bus to and from Mendenhall or we have a guy who can take you to Mendenhall and Glacier gardens. Let us know if interested. Glacier gardens is a unique botanical garden-worth seeing. Email us for details.
In Junea there is a very tiny jewelry store on main drag. Size of a shack. The owner makes his jewelry from coral, Alaskan jade, etc. The store name is Jim Hopkins, fossil ivory jewelry design. Address is 422 S. Franklin St. Juneau. Not to be missed.
In Ketchikan:
If you have time, be sure to walk to Creek Street in Ketchikan and see the old red light district, now excellent stores for shopping. Also fabulous items made in Alaska can be found at Exploration Gallery 633 Mission Street in Ketchikan. Be sure to see the porcelain Christmas ornaments--to die for.
DO NOT MISS DO NOT MISS DO NOT MISS: MISTY FJORDS CRUISING. It is from 6-8 pm on the day you are in Ketchikan (Wed). GO TO VIKING CROWN LOUNGE. It's the best place to see it. When you get off the elevator you are facing the bar in the lounge. Walk behind the bar, (steps/ramps to either side of the bar) There you will find no one and floor to ceiling windows. Decks on either side to go out for a while and take pictures. It's the place to do it and be warm and sip a cocktail. Make alternative Dinner arrangements.
In Skagway:
The helicopter tour/dogsled adventure is the cat's pj's.
Also, you can just sightsee in town, hang out at Red Onion saloon.
The Loom in Skagway has beautiful rugs, etc.
You can do helicopter in morning and still go on the Whitepass Railroad in the afternoon. Do not go on railroad in morning. Usually foggy and defeats the purpose-to see hair raising vistas.
In Anchorage:
The Glaciel Brewhouse and Orso are very very good restaurants. Walking distance from hotel. (short)
In Anchorage the Alaska Museum of History and Art is pretty small and has paintings from a guy that are really something. He painted polar bears and Eskimo children. The museum is small, and can be done in about an hour-to hour and 1/2. You can walk from hotel. (about 10 blocks)
DON'T forget binoculars.
Remember to pack separate suitcase for the land portion so you can have them store your cruise clothes and not have to go through all you bags and you don't have to take them to/from bus everyday.