The Good
The TSA lines and waiting lines have gotten shorter. TSA re-deployed manpower and figured out how to more intelligently match staffing to actual airline schedules and got a little help from the airlines with basic tasks like moving carry-on bins and directing passengers. They also hired new contract workers to help as well, and the real good news is that they plan to keep those workers on the job through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
The Bad
Because of security concerns, most of the cruise lines have made the decision to eliminate the ports in Turkey for the rest of '16 and possibly '17. Two of my most favorite ports are Istanbul and Ephesus.....so just hate that. The CEO of NCL Holdings, which includes Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas had to cancel these ports off of 61 itineraries and he called it “one of the toughest decisions he had ever made”. Both the U. S. State Department and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office have issued travel alert warnings of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey. So sad for not only the tourist, but also for the citizens of that country who depend heavily on the tourist dollar for their livelihood.
The Ugly
Really, there is nothing ugly about traveling...even the experience of a reservation being made for the wrong date, or a reserved seat that you have had on a flight for 9 months being sat in by someone else whose seat number was the same as yours, or a weather delay causing you to miss a connection, or in my case having to take care of a couple of individuals on a trip who were afflicted with that terrible alzheimers disease.....all of that was an “experience” that might have been “ugly” at the time, but we survived and can always chalk that up as a memorable travel experience.
The Good
Carnival Cruise Line has recently released their live performance series for 2017. They started this with popular entertainment personalities several years ago, and obviously it was a hit because they are continuing the practice. The entertainers perform while the ship is in port, this year mainly in Nassau. Named in their concert series this year are Tim McGraw, Jeff Foxworthy, Jay Leno, and the group Little Big Town. These are not free concerts. Ticket prices range from $30-$80 for general admission and $100-$300 for VIP tickets. The reason it's “good” is because I like all four of them!!
The Bad....or Sad
About 6 months ago Crystal Cruises signed a purchase option on the U. S. United States. It was the largest luxury liner built in the United States in 1952, but had been out of service for several years. Their intent was to rehabilitate it, but after spending more than $1 million, they have decided that the technical and commercial challenges would not be cost effective. The ship will remain docked on the Delaware River in Philadelphia and Crystal plans to donate $350,000 toward the Conservancy whose mission is to preserve the vessel and educate the public on its history and legacy.
The REAL Good
Take your travel questions and plans to The Travel Factory where experienced travel counselors are waiting to help you manufacture the vacation of your dreams and can save you time and money in the process. Located at 4150 Southwest Drive, we can be reached at 698-1421, or 800-760-4040. Website: www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.