Home : travel : 4 Cruise Line Secrets Revealed

4 cruise line secrets revealed

4 cruise line secrets revealed

Cruises are one of the most relaxing vacations replete with fun. And there is a range of things that cruise lines would rather not tell you? Since most cruise lines are sales-based, profit is one of their important motives. There are quite a few tricks up their sleeve devised to encourage you to spend more. To save you from these traps, here are four cruise secrets you should know before you book your next cruise.

All-inclusive packages are not all-inclusive

Most all-inclusive packages only include room stay and meals cost. Beverages, tips, shore excursions, internet, activities, and dining outside the dining area are chargeable. Some cruise lines also charge for room service. So, read all the terms to know hidden and additional charges.

Cruises are not crime-free

Big cruise lines keep a tight watch on crime, but sometimes bad things can happen. Cruise lines are not required to report thefts of less than $10,000, so not everyone knows much about the rate of petty crimes. However, you should always be careful of your surroundings. For safety, do not carry valuables items on vacation. Some cruise liners have a prison or a “brig” to lock up unruly passengers, later handed over to port authorities.

Your cabin will be noisy

Cruise cabins are notoriously not private. Don’t pick a cabin next to the staircase, elevator, dining room, lounge, or spa to avoid hearing people’s voices day and night. Pick one that doesn’t have a non-cabin above it, or get ready to hear tromping all night. Balconies are overrated, and cruise lines charge a bomb for that extra real estate. You get more space, but they are blocked by girders, open to decks above, or sometimes placed directly above lifeboats. Check the deck plan before swiping your card.

The ship will not wait for you

If you have disembarked on an island or port and not returned on time, the cruise can leave without you. The captain may wait for a while if they are missing a busload of tourists, but if one or two people are missing, they may have to find another way to reach their destination.

Most Popular

5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

Purchasing insurance can be an excellent financial decision. When you buy insurance, you make small payments called premiums to an insurance company so that you and your loved ones are protected during a financial emergency. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying an insurance plan. And more often than not, people make mistakes during the process, which cost them a lot more than they would otherwise pay. Opting for low premiums People often opt for a plan with a lower premium because it is easier on the pocket. However, such plans usually provide a smaller claim amount during an emergency. So, try to find a balance between the premiums you pay and how much money you get during a claim. Not trying other insurance providers Staying with the same insurer might make the documentation process easier when renewing the policy or buying a new one. However, it can cost you more in the long haul. The provider may not always offer the best price for a preferred plan. So, if your situation changes—for example, if you get married, buy a car, or move to a new state—compare different insurance companies before choosing one. Not reading the fine print Every insurance plan comes with terms and conditions.
5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

Purchasing insurance can be an excellent financial decision. When you buy insurance, you make small payments called premiums to an insurance company so that you and your loved ones are protected during a financial emergency. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying an insurance plan. And more often than not, people make mistakes during the process, which cost them a lot more than they would otherwise pay. Opting for low premiums People often opt for a plan with a lower premium because it is easier on the pocket. However, such plans usually provide a smaller claim amount during an emergency. So, try to find a balance between the premiums you pay and how much money you get during a claim. Not trying other insurance providers Staying with the same insurer might make the documentation process easier when renewing the policy or buying a new one. However, it can cost you more in the long haul. The provider may not always offer the best price for a preferred plan. So, if your situation changes—for example, if you get married, buy a car, or move to a new state—compare different insurance companies before choosing one. Not reading the fine print Every insurance plan comes with terms and conditions.
4 services Medicare does not cover

4 services Medicare does not cover

Medicare is a health insurance program issued by the government. The program covers people aged 65 or older, certain people with disabilities, and patients with end-stage renal diseases. It encompasses several plans and is divided into four parts with certain services – A, B, C, and D. Out of these, Part A is free for those who’ve paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years, but the others have to pay a premium. Even though the program is helpful for many, some Medicare plans are complicated in terms of coverage. This makes it difficult to understand. They might cover various aspects of health care, but many conditions are not covered as well, some of which include: Dental care Medicare plans may cover basic health care services and X-rays, but they have a limit of $1,500 annually. Medicare plans may not cover routine dental checkups and treatment of certain dental services. They also do not cover dentures and fillings. However, in the case of emergency hospitalization, patients can use Part A to pay off certain dental services. Long-term hospitalization Usually, all Medicare plans cover up to 90 days of hospitalization. The benefit period begins on the first inpatient day at a hospital or nursing facility and ends when inpatient care isn’t received for more than 60 days.
A look at some of the best free investment advisors

A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.

Popular Articles

Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider
Finance
01

Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider

A lot of people get stuck in debt due to many reasons. The interest rates keep adding up, taking a toll on an individual’s financial stability. In such a case, debt settlement can be quite helpful if you wish to settle a large amount. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider to help ease the burden off your shoulders. National Debt Relief National Debt Relief has the most detailed insights on their website that can help you with debt settlement. It talks about the debt qualification, the amount of money you need to pay for enrolments as well as the debt relief services that they offer. The average savings after the fees is around 30%. CreditAssociates This particular company is known for helping clients with the elimination of debt. They undertake this entire process between twenty-four to thirty-six months. They use enhanced software, and the outstanding expertise of their team to help their clients with great debt negotiation services. Pacific Debt Inc This is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider. You need to have a minimum of $10,000 in debt to avail their services. They offer an affordable monthly program/plan with payment as well as upfront fees.
Read More
6 top business credit card companies
Finance
02

6 top business credit card companies

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%.
Read More
Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country
Finance
03

Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country

NNN properties are known as triple net lease properties and can be categorized as single-tenant properties that are available for lease. In these properties, the maintenance fees, taxes, and insurance have to be paid by the lessee instead of the landlord. These costs have to be borne by the lessee in addition to the rent. Here are some of the top NNN properties for sale: 7-Eleven, Texas There are plenty of 7-Eleven properties that come under the category of NNN properties. This one is our top pick at the moment, as it serves two commodities that are always in demand: gas and foods. The property is on the 3601 West Freeway in Fort Worth, Texas, making it quite a hot spot for sale. The current annual rent for this property is $267,500, while the cap rate is 5.75%. Burger King, Florida Burger King is one of the country’s favorite fast-food chains. The current annual rent for this property is about $140,000, and the cap rate is 5.15%. This property was built quite recently as compared to the other options on our list, and it has the potential of providing good returns quickly, as it is in a strategic location on SW Port St.
Read More