Thailand is a major travel destination in Asia offering a most unique and wonderful travel experience. Travelers will find a wide variety of attractions in this country, ranging from great natural beauty to magnificent cultural sites. Tourism is one of the main sources of revenue in Thailand, but it has been in decline since demonstrations took place in the capital city of Bangkok about a year ago. Many travelers canceled their travel plans during the height of the unrest and some are still wondering if it’s safe to travel to Thailand.

Thailand has been a politically stable country for many years, but in 2008, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok to demand the resignation of the prime minister of that time. The protest culminated in the seizure of the Bangkok International Airport, and it forced many travelers to cancel their trips to Thailand. As a result of the demonstrations, the government decided to cancel the 2009 APEC summit, which was supposed to be held in Pattaya.

Throughout the duration of the unrest, hundreds of locals were injured and a few lost their lives, however, no foreigners were killed. Other than the demonstrations in the capital city, there have been a number of reports of bombings in the southern part of Thailand. It is believed that these bombings were carried out by Muslim extremists, and they have been happening fairly frequently every year.

Even when the demonstrations were going on in Bangkok, most parts of the city were unaffected, since the protests took place around specific government buildings and important locations such as the airport. The tourist, commercial, and residential areas remained safe throughout the period of time when the demonstrations were being held. The protests in Bangkok have been quelled and life in the city has returned to normal, but the Muslim rebels in the south continue to be a threat. It is safe to visit Bangkok and the northern parts of Thailand now, but travelers should be careful if they are planning to travel to the southern part of the country, especially major cities such as Hatyai and Yala.

Generally, crime rate in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand is relatively low; accidents can happen when one is traveling in a foreign land. Road accidents are fairly common in Thailand, and many tourists have been injured and killed because of motorcycle accidents. It is important for travelers to get a travel insurance policy before they set off for Thailand, because it will provide coverage for expenses and losses that result from accidents as well as loss and theft.

Also, it is not uncommon for travelers to fall ill when they are in a distant country where the food, weather, and living conditions are different. Those who have travel insurance will get adequate compensation for medical expenses if they fall ill or become injured during their trips. A good travel insurance policy will ensure that travelers will have a worry-free vacation in Thailand.

Traveling can be fun, whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a two-week full-fledged vacation, but traveling can be a bit stressful at times, particularly when there is a major holiday or other event that causes large numbers of people to travel at the same time. It’s almost impossible to know the exact best time to travel, but you can make some informed decisions to help you along the way and avoid unnecessary stress and hassles. Knowing the busiest travel days of the year, and then avoiding them, can help you to have a more relaxing getaway. Christmas and Thanksgiving are some of the busiest travel days of the entire year, particularly in the United States. People often long to spend time with friends and family members that live in other states, and Christmas is one of the most significant of those times. If you decide to travel during the Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday, a single trip travel insurance plan is a good idea. Since there will be so many people flying, you may want to get a policy to protect you in the event of lost luggage or some other calamity.

Memorial Day sparks the start of the summer holiday in America. Most children are now out of school, and parents like to take the entire family on vacations. The warm weather also encourages more people to hit the road in search of the perfect trip. Some airlines are now charging extra for those who wish to travel on busier days, so it’s important to be aware of the new policies, depending on the airline. Some agencies may also charge increased rates for travel insurance during these times, mainly because the risk of a loss is somewhat higher. If you are traveling internationally, it is a good idea to find out what other countries’ busiest times are, since they most likely will not be the same dates as they are for the United States.

Other very busy travel dates include New Year’s Eve, Labor Day, and Easter weekend. All of these are major holidays, and tend to have busier traffic conditions on local roads. Police may set up checkpoints locally to keep an eye on those who may drink and drive. Remember to be safe when traveling every day, not just on the busy days. Wear seatbelts when driving, and follow all safety instructions of your airline or train company, so you can be aware of how to handle an emergency situation should it arise. Most importantly, have a good time and remember to be patient during peak travel times. Things may take a bit longer than usual since employees will be backed up. Flights can sometimes be delayed due to too much traffic, so keep this in mind and arrive as early as possible to get checked in and help speed things along. As long as you’re aware of the impact that traveling on busy days may have, your vacation should go smoothly and be an enjoyable one to remember.

“What to know before you go” took on new meaning post September 11, 2001. Both domestic and international travel has drastically changed. It is imperative travelers understand their rights and responsibilities should their travel plans be disrupted.

Flight bumps or delays, medical and legal emergencies, I.D. and money theft, baggage problems, weather issues, and terrorism all constitute risk to the traveler. The more time spent traveling, the greater the risk. Travel insurance may circumvent some of that risk.

Education is the key, whether the traveler is an individual, part of a group, or a student; and whether travel is domestic or international. Make sure to research as much as possible before setting foot outside the door of an airport, train or bus station. Know what each traveler’s travel insurance policy covers and what it does not for the particular type of travel: business, vacation, family trips, or cruises. There may be supplementary coverage issued by the cruise line, amusement park, or groups such as AAA.

If travel is frequent, consider an insurance package plan. Many plans offer annual coverage, basic or abroad major medical insurance coverage or a package for a single trip around the world.

Cruises ship vacations are a prime example of “what to know before you go.” Everything from three day cruises to cruises around the world invite travel risk as most cruises parlay into international waters and into regions where the traveler may be unfamiliar with local custom and local laws.

World cruises pose several risks, personal to logistical. Travelers may be on a ship over 100 days, stopping at ports of call that may be regular tourist venues or remote layovers in countries on the State Department’s travel warning lists.

Wading through what kind of travel insurance is needed can be daunting. Most cruises start with a flight to the initial boarding destination and back again. The National Transportation Safety Board‘s preliminary 2008 U.S. general aviation accident statistics depict over seven accidents per 100,000 flight hours with over one fatality. That translates to over 1500 U.S. general aviation accidents and 275 U.S. general aviation fatal accidents in 2008. Check the fine print of the ticket purchased and credit card used to purchase the ticket. Additional flight accident insurance may be prudent.

There may be a bus to take the traveler to the cruise line or a car may have to be rented. Optional car rental insurance added to the policy that may or may not be attached to travel tickets or credit cards may evade problem should there be an accident on the way to the cruise line.

Shore excursions, unless purchased through the ship’s bursar, may result in trips into inner city areas for that “local flavor” of culture and food that many travelers crave. Research the local laws and culture before venturing into the unknown. There may be gang activity or drug activity in the area. If troubles arise and injury or death results, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and medical evacuation insurance provide additional coverage and piece of mind inexpensively.

Most travel insurance reimburses the traveler after the fact. If medical care is needed, make certain that enough cash is on hand to pay for services.

Mexico City is one of the most popular travel destinations for Americans and with it being so close to the US, you might be wondering if a passport is required for travel. In order to have a safe and hassle-free trip, it is important for American travelers to find out about the travel documents required to gain entry into Mexico City.

In most cases, a passport is required for travel across the US-Mexico border, but there are exceptions.

A passport is not the only accepted identification

According to the US state department, US citizens must present one of these documents, in addition to an entry permit to enter Mexico:

• A passport book or
• A passport card
• An enhanced driver’s license

US citizens traveling on maritime business may present a Merchant Mariner document instead.

If the US traveler is entering Mexico by land (meaning they are driving or walking across the border) with the intent to travel beyond the immediate border region, that traveler must have an entry permit, which requires a valid passport. Drivers will also need to show valid proof of automobile registration to enter Mexico.

Warning: entering Mexico with an expired US vehicle registration could lead to confiscation of the auto by the Mexican Authorities. To further complicate things, permits are not required when driving into the Baja Peninsula.

Note: Mexican nationals entering the US by land or sea, must present a valid passport and a visa.

Brief history of entry laws

In the past, Americans who are traveling to Mexico City by air needed to have a passport. Those who are traveling by land or sea needed only to show their driver’s licenses or birth certificates. A new law was imposed on the 1st of June, 2009 made it compulsory for all US citizens to show a valid passport, a passport card, or any document approved by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) when they travel to any place in Mexico.

A passport card or a WHTI-compliant document can only be used if travelers are entering Mexico by land or sea. The WHTI-compliant documents that are valid for travel to Mexico include: enhanced driver’s license issued by a state; NEXUS or SENTRI trusted traveler card; enhanced tribal card; Native American Tribal ID with photo; Form I-872 American Indian card; US Military ID with military travel order; and US Merchant Mariner document for official maritime missions.

Do the passport rules apply to travelers of all ages?

US citizens who are under the age of 16 do not need a passport when they travel by land or sea to Mexico City, but are required to bring their birth certificates or naturalization certificates. Both original and copy birth certificates can be used. Those who are legal permanent residents of the US may or may not need to present a passport to gain entry into Mexico, depending on which country they come from. They only need to show their I-551 Permanent Resident Cards when they return to the US.

The best method is still a passport

Whether it is an official requirement or not, it is advisable for those who are traveling to Mexico City to bring a passport, because a passport is considered the best form of identification in a foreign land. It will not only help US travelers gain entry into Mexico with minimal hassle; it may also be required when they get involved in accidents or unknowingly break the law.

Other than a valid passport, it is also a good idea for US travelers to get a good travel insurance policy before they travel to Mexico City. Many things can happen when people are traveling in a foreign country, and having travel insurance will protect them from losses that are incurred as a result of accidents. Since the food, weather, and standard of living are different in Mexico City, there is a higher chance that travelers may fall ill during their trips. Also, the crime rate in Mexico City is quite high, and tourists are one of the main targets for theft. Travel insurance will cover medical expenses, loss and theft, and cancellations, and it will ensure that travelers will have peace of mind when they are vacationing in Mexico City.

Lewis and Clark are two of the most famous explorers in American history. They are credited as being an integral part of the Louisiana Purchase, an event that would help to transform and shape the United States. In 1803, Meriwether Lewis began the journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A few months later in the middle of October, Lt. William Clark offered to join him in his journey at Camp Dubois, in an area now known as Indiana. Once the two men joined forces together, they sailed along the Ohio River heading towards the great city of Saint Louis, Missouri. In 1805, the pair continued on their travels along several rivers such as the Snake and Columbia Rivers into the Pacific Ocean. Perhaps some travel insurance would have helped them along on such a treacherous journey! Eventually, the two arrived at the mouth of the Columbia and into Astoria, Oregon, although this area had not been named at that time. In September of 1806, Lewis and Clark returned back to Saint Louis from Oregon and ended their journey.

This amazing duo kept fairly meticulous record and maps of their travels. While there is no definitive answer as to how many miles they traveled, it is estimated to be approximately 7,690 miles total. The two traveled by foot, on horseback, and by boat. Their journey was treacherous at times, but they enlisted the help of some other people along the way. Perhaps one of the most famous people who assisted Lewis and Clark was a Native American woman by the name of Sacagawea. Clark nicknamed her Janey and she made a very big impact on their success. She helped to serve as both an interpreter, and a guide who knew the land, since she was a native of the region. The group encountered many treacherous obstacles along the way. Harsh winters and heavy snow were factors that made moving through rocky, mountainous terrain quite difficult. Other problems included wild animals, insect bites, and tribes of Native Americans that did not want strangers roaming through their land.

Despite many obstacles, Lewis and Clark, along with Sacagawea and many others who sacrificed their comfort, made one of the most important discoveries of the West the United States has ever known. There were no modern forms of transportation such as airplanes or freight trains, and no extras like travel medical insurance, computers, or GPS systems. Their trek of over 7,000 miles made the United States a larger country and opened the door for a whole new portion of the nation that had never been explored by Americans before. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson declared the Lewis and Clark expedition to be one of a scientific nature. He also declared it should be completed for the purposes of new methods of commerce through discovery such as waterways, mountains, and new terrain. The two helped to develop a better understanding of the geography and the many wonderful features that make America great. They developed maps, which later served a great help to those who wished to travel west.

Canada is America’s northern neighbor, and many United States citizens enjoy visiting for its natural beauty and a change of pace. There are hundreds of thousands of American citizens who visit Canada each year, and certain rules apply for anyone who wants to cross the border. If you’re interested in traveling to Canada, there are certain things you should be aware of in terms of passport requirements. The U.S. State Department requires all citizens traveling by air to provide a valid passport.

Because of the 9/11 attacks, the Department of Homeland Security has set forth much stricter requirements in terms of identification. Since June 1st, 2009, the customs border patrol has requested that anyone crossing the border supply a passport. This applies to travel by land, air, or sea, and there are no exceptions, unless you provide a passport card or WHTI compliant document. If traveling from the United States into Canada, travel insurance is highly recommended in the event of a lost passport. This type of insurance should help cover the loss, and assist you in getting a replacement fairly quickly.

A passport card is valid when traveling between the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. WHTI, or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant documents can be used in place of a passport. Some examples of these documents include a US military travel ID with corresponding travel orders, a Native American identification card, and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents, along with a few others. It is highly recommended that you find out what kinds of documents are accepted when traveling across the border before you plan a trip, otherwise you may be declined entry and have to return home. Because of the unfortunate increase in child abductions, all adults traveling with children must supply a proof of custody document. In addition, all children must include proof of citizenship, which typically includes a birth certificate or social security card.

While a passport is very important for traveling into Canada from the United States, there are some other factors you should be aware of. Canada may deny entry if you have had a previous drunk driving or other criminal record. In some cases, a waiver can be granted, but it must be approved and submitted several weeks prior to your trip. Naturalized citizens of Canada can enter the country if they provide proof of naturalization. Dual citizens should always approach the border as a Canadian citizen in order to enter. Aside from documentation requirements, people coming into Canada must also meet the nation’s customs requirements. Be sure to look into what is prohibited well in advance before packing. Certain limitations apply to duty-free cigarettes, alcohol, and gifts. Be aware of the country’s current laws on firearms as well before attempting to bring anything across the border for your visit. Things such as obscene magazines, hate-crime related materials, explosive devices, plants, live animals, and meat and dairy products are not allowed. A travel insurance policy is recommended if you plan to stay for any extended period of time.

Perhaps you recently booked your airline tickets for that vacation in the Caribbean that you have been dreaming of for so long. You have made your hotel reservations, sketched out a preliminary itinerary, and even wisely purchased a travel insurance policy and travel medical insurance. When you have made such careful plans, don’t forget to ascertain the entry requirements for each of your destinations. This is especially important on a Caribbean vacation, during which a tourist could feasibly travel to two, three, or even four or more sovereign island nations or overseas territories controlled by various Western governments. Each of your several destinations could have distinct entry requirements and require different identifying documentation from you. Foremost on your mind should be the question of the travel visa. Do you need to obtain one for any of your Caribbean destinations, and if so, when and how do you obtain it?

Fortunately, with few exceptions, United States citizens do not need visas to travel to and from destinations in the Caribbean. However, exactly what documentation is needed, and under what circumstances, ultimately depends on where you are traveling in the Caribbean and for what purpose. Most governments in the Caribbean do not require visas of American tourists who plan to remain for a relatively short period of time, that is no more than thirty days, or, in some cases, no more than sixty or ninety days. However, visas may be required if the American traveler intends to remain on a longer-term basis for the purpose of working or attending school.

Some of the most popular Caribbean tourist destinations, specifically Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are territories of the United States. For American travelers, entering those territories does not differ greatly from crossing the over the border between one U.S. state and another. United States citizens may enter and leave Puerto Rico freely without presenting a visa and are not required to submit to immigration or customs screening. Similarly, a visa is not required of a U.S. citizen traveling to or from the U.S. Virgin Islands, which include Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas. As long as an individual’s travel outside the U.S. mainland is restricted to U.S. territories, an American tourist need not even carry a passport. The only identification that an American is required to carry in order to travel between the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands is that which is generally required for air travel—an unexpired, government issued form of photo identification.

Furthermore, it is not necessary for an American to obtain a visa from the British authorities in order to visit the British Virgin Islands—an overseas territory of the United Kingdom that includes the islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke—for purposes of leisure and recreation. However, if you do plan to extend your trip from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the nearby British Virgin Islands, you will need to carry a passport or, if you are traveling by sea, a passport card. American tourists who enter the British Virgin Islands for short-term vacations are required only to present documentary proof of their citizenship. This requirement may be satisfied by presenting a passport but can also be met by presenting other forms of government-issued identification. However, all Americans who return to the United States after visiting non-U.S. territories in the Caribbean must present a passport upon re-entry. This requirement holds even if the traveler makes an intermediate stop in a U.S. territory, such as Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, immediately before returning to the United States.

The British territory of Anguilla does not require American tourists to present a visa. However, Americans must be carrying either a passport or other valid documentary proof of citizenship and identity. They must also be in possession of a return or continuing trip ticket. Americans departing from Grenada are required to pay an airport departure tax.

The British territories of Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos islands require American tourists to present passports and return or continuing trip tickets in order to enter but do not require visas. Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos islands also impose an airport departure tax.

Similarly, the Dutch territories of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles do not require visas of American tourists, although U.S. citizens must show passports as proof of identity and citizenship. The French territories that make up the French West Indies—Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, and St. Barthelmy—also require passports but not visas from American tourists.

The island nations of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Kitt’s and Nevins, St. Lucia, St . Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago all require American citizens to present passports for entry but do not require visas for short-term tourist stays. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Jamaica, and Haiti all require the presentation of a return or continuing trip ticket before granting entry. St. Kitt’s and Nevins imposes an airport departure tax, and the Dominican Republic, while it does not require the purchase of a visa, does require the purchase of a “tourist card,” available at the airport for $10.

Indeed, the only Caribbean nation or territory to require an American tourist to purchase a visa is Cuba. Regardless, Cuba presents an unusual dilemma for American travelers because it is against the law of the United States for individuals to visit Cuba without a special license. Licenses can be distributed to those with close family members in Cuba, and to journalists, academic researchers, and governmental officials and members of international governmental organization traveling to Cuba for the purpose of conducting business. It is the case, however, that many Americans persist in traveling to Cuba illegally, often by first traveling to Canada or another hospitable country that has not restricted the right to travel to Cuba. Those Americans, who do travel to Cuba, whether illegally or pursuant to a federally granted license, are required to not only present a passport but also obtain a visa from the Cuban government.

In summary, it is probably best to carry your passport with you on your Caribbean trip even if you do not plan to travel anywhere other than Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you get the opportunity to hop over to the British Virgin Isles, for instance, you will not want to decline it simply because you did not bring your passport. In addition, even though some Caribbean destinations will take other documentary proof of citizenship and identity in lieu of a passport, you are least likely to encounter a misunderstanding with border officials if you present your passport. Finally, because rules and regulations can change, it could be worthwhile, as a form of travel insurance, to double-check the websites for the Department of State and the U.S. consulates for your Caribbean destinations to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information concerning entry requirements.

An effective travel agent feels a sense of fulfillment when they help a person turn their visions of the perfect vacation into reality. Travel knowledge, up-to-date information, and an ability to understand a client’s needs are just a few of the qualities found in a savvy travel agent. If a person is interested in becoming a travel agent there are several things they can do to prepare for a fruitful career in the field.

First, pursuing a job opening at a travel agency is a productive step on the road to becoming a travel agent. In fact, almost any job position at a travel agency allows a person to learn the practical aspects of the business. For instance, if a person begins work at a travel agency in the position of receptionist they have the opportunity to learn about popular vacation spots and hear the sorts of questions clients have when they call in. Learning the simple, everyday details of the travel agency business will eventually help a person when they achieve the position of travel agent.

Once a person has a job at a travel agency, they should express to the owner their desire to learn the business and become a travel agent. The owner and other travel agents in the office may have suggestions regarding helpful online courses to take in preparation for the position. For instance, a particular course may assist a future travel agent in learning how to use helpful computer programs. The travel agents in the office may also have significant information regarding cheap travel insurance or travel medical insurance. Learning the subtle aspects of the business from a longtime, successful travel agent is an ideal situation for an agent in training.

It is also wise for an aspiring travel agent to read periodicals, journals, and other trustworthy reading material in order to learn about the different destinations as well as the types of travel accommodations. A vast store of knowledge on a variety of locales is extremely beneficial to a travel agent. It’s a travel agent’s responsibility to stay up-to-date on information that may affect their clients’ plans. Airline schedules, car rental options, and fees that accompany certain modes of transportation are just a few of the items of information that a travel agent stays current on.

A travel agent with a well-known reputation for reliability and follow-up service is likely to be a person with excellent listening skills. Ideally, a client wants a travel agent who listens to their visions of a dream vacation. Anyone looking for success as a travel agent would be wise to perfect his or her listening talents. A travel agent who lends a listening ear is well on the way to building up a list of happy, loyal clients.

Successful work as a travel agent has the potential to lead a person to one day own his or her own agency. Furthermore, a knowledgeable, honest, and responsible travel agent who enjoys helping people is likely to find a great deal of personal satisfaction in the travel industry.

Cuba is well-known for its beautiful beaches, unique culture, attracting many tourists from around the world. Despite its proximity to the US, it is a place that receives very few American travelers. This is because of travel restrictions imposed by the US government on all US citizens and permanent residents.

Cuba is one of the countries in the world that the US has no diplomatic relations with, and the relationship between the two countries has been hostile for about five decades. The hostility between the two nations resulted from the Cuban communist government’s reluctance to move towards democratization. In 1960, the US imposed an economic embargo on Cuba, because the Cuban government had confiscated properties that belonged to US citizens and corporations. The embargo was extended to an almost complete sanction in 1962. The following year, after the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy issued the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, and he tried to ban US citizens from traveling to Cuba.

The travel ban was never really made into a law, because it is in violation within the US Constitution. Therefore, it is not illegal for US citizens to travel to Cuba, but with the current Cuban Assets Control Regulations in place, it is against the law for Americans to spend money in Cuba without a special license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Those who are eligible to apply for the special license include: US citizens who are visiting close relatives in Cuba, journalists or members of broadcasting crews who are participating in journalistic activities in the country, government travelers who are on official business, official business travelers, full-time professionals who have work-related duties to perform in Cuba, and students who are pursuing a course in a Cuban academic institution.

Despite the travel restrictions, some Americans still manage to visit Cuba without getting into trouble with the government. One of the safest ways to travel to Cuba is through a third country. Travelers have to fly to another country first and then take another flight to Cuba from that country. Since the Cuban immigration does not stamp American passports, there will be no evidence showing that they traveled to Cuba. When they return to the US, the US immigration will just assume they had been vacationing in the third country. There are many travel agencies that can make arrangements for Americans to visit Cuba through a third country.

Those who are planning to travel to Cuba via a third country should be extra careful during their trip, because they do not have the option of seeking help from the US Interests Section in times of emergency. American travelers to Cuba should get a travel insurance policy from a company that provides 24-hour emergency call service. In case they get involved in an accident or lose their belongings, they can seek advice from someone who is experienced in dealing with travel emergencies. Also, travel insurance provides compensation for medical expenses, as well as loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings.

A cruise ship is a massive vessel that features all the basic facilities needed for a pleasurable vacation, which include: accommodations, sports and recreational facilities, restaurants and bars, and entertainment centers. Generally, a cruise ship weighs more than 70,000 tons, or 140 million pounds, and it is rather surprising that it is able to float on water and travel long distances. Its enormous size also makes people wonder how fast it can travel.

There are many different types of cruise ships. While some of them are built to house more rooms or facilities, others are specifically constructed to travel fast. Ordinary cruise ships travel at the speed of 21 to 24 knots per hour, but a high-speed cruise ship can go as fast as 30 knots or more. Most cruise ships are powered by diesel electric engines or gas turbines, and they have propellers that cut through the water to move them forward or backward. The speed of a cruise ship is dependent on the power output of its engine as well as its size and weight.

Although ordinary cruise ships travel at the speed of 21 to 24 knots per hour, they are actually capable of reaching higher speeds. One of the reasons why they travel at a more conservative speed is because they have to control fuel consumption. Cruise ships consume a lot of fuel, and the “mileage” per gallon of fuel is measured in feet, not in miles. It takes about 10 gallons of fuel for an ordinary cruise ship to travel just a few hundred feet. When a ship travels at top speed, it consumes more fuel, and there may not be enough fuel left for it to complete its voyage. Traveling at a slower pace will ensure that the ship will reach its destination as scheduled, and it is more economical. Cruise ships also travel at varying speeds during different parts of their voyages: They tend to speed up when they are in the open sea, and slow down when they are approaching a port.

For many years, the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 was the fastest cruise ship in the world. It is capable of reaching a top speed of 32 knots per hour, and it has a cruising speed of around 28 knots. After it was retired from the cruise business, the Olympic Voyager became the fastest cruise ship. This 600-foot cruise ship has a top speed of 31 knots per hour, and it is a very popular ship because it can reach its destinations in a shorter time and allow passengers more time to stay onshore. One of the biggest cruise ships in the world is the 1,181-foot Oasis of the Seas. This gigantic vessel travels at a cruising speed of 20.2 knots per hour, but it can reach a maximum speed of 23.8 knots.

Those who are planning to go on a cruise ship vacation should get a travel insurance policy before their trips. Some cruise ship passengers may suffer from sea-sickness, and they may be in need of medical attention. Travel insurance will cover medical expenses as well as loss or theft of personal belongings.