I have a loyal following, never charging a <BR>fee for tours, cruises, etc. and I ALWAYS find my client the best prices out there, I beat Travelocity, Expedia, etc!<BR><BR>By the way for those cruising to Alaska, I am also very infomed that there is a virus circulating and they emphasized Princess Cruises. If you have a loyal agent they should be calling you today instead of hearing it elsewhere.<BR><BR>I am giving free advice here because I care about people travelling. The agent who charged should of moved it onto the booking.<BR>Obviously if they did their job and closed the sale, they should not be charging a fee.<BR><BR>Period. Amen. Don't bash me, I'm doing something right at making a very good living working long days with referrals rolling in.<BR>Had a quick moment to write. Have a safe and happy summer travellers! And take that trip insurance - OKAY???

What kind of virus? I am on a Princess Cruise to Alaska this summer and now I am worried. I just left a voicemail on my TA's machine!<BR><BR>Any other info on this "virus"?

This has to be the most ignorant thing I have ever heard.

Actually, it is true. Princess issued a statement that there have been cases of the Norwalk Virus reported on their ships in Alaska. It is a gastrointestinal illness and lasts about three days. They are sanitizing all ships daily. It doesn't seem like there is anything to worry about. There will be briefings on all Alaska ships when you board.

ttt

Don't open email attachments from people you don't know.

Virus' on Alaskan Cruises are not rare, they normally happen every year. I don't know if it has to do with the climate or whatever but they do exist. How do I know? I contracted one many years ago on an Alaskan Cruise and was sick for a month after returning home. <BR>This shouldn't stop anyone, just make sure and take precautions. Take a good hand sanitizer and use it often, and watch yourself. It is better to be safe than sorry.<BR>Toto

ttt

ttt

loyalagent is correct. Norwalk Virus is affecting some cruise passengers on Princess sailings.<BR>The virus is airborn; good hygiene (always imperative, particularly when on vacation) will not prevent contacting this infection.<BR>Princess is hesitant to admit this exists on all their Alaska ships. Star Princess passengers embarking June 8 contacted this virus at Bear Lodge prior to even boarding the ship. Folks cruising Alaska this summer and who have less than perfect health, should discuss this with their medical doctors, prior to leaving home.<BR>The cruise industry would prefer to quarantine pax rather than risk losing paid passengers. Be an informed consumer; better safe than sorry.

Where is Bear Lodge located?

My virus was also contracted on a Princess Cruise Tour in Alaska. I have watched every year since and seen many stricken with one type of virus or another on these sailings.

Where exactly is Bear Lodge in Alaska?

Northwest of Juneau and east of Nome

I'm following this thread because I will be on a Princess cruise to Alaska in August... <BR><BR>Here's an informative site I found when I googled "Norwalk virus cruise":<BR>http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/norwalk-virus_cruiseship.htm<BR><BR>CDC site indicates this is a fairly common form of gastroenteritis.<BR><BR>I believe Bear Lodge is a hotel in Fairbanks where Princess guests sometimes stay before starting a land tour pre-cruise.<BR>HTH!