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Red Tag Vacations Review: Is It Worth Your Money?

Red Tag Vacations is a legitimate travel company based in Canada that has operated since 2004. The company offers travel services, including vacation packages, flights, hotels, and car rentals.

Red Tag Vacations has become famous for Canadian travelers seeking affordable vacation packages and travel deals. The company offers packages to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and more.

But sadly, there are almost no authentic reviews of this business on the internet, which made me hesitant to book a trip through them. But now that I have done so, I can easily give you an honest review of them.

In this article, I will talk about how Red Tag Vacations works, what their cancellation policies are, and whether it is even possible to get a refund from them.

Is Red Tag Vacations Legit?

Yes, Red Tag Vacations is a legitimate company allowing you to book flights and make hotel reservations and car rentals. It also facilitates last-minute bookings.

One of the biggest advantages of booking with Red Tag Vacations is their affordability. As a budget traveler, I appreciate that Red Tag offers a wide range of travel deals that are affordable for most people. They often have last-minute deals that can save you a lot of money, especially if you are flexible with your travel dates.

Red Tag also offers all-inclusive packages, which can be a great way to save money on food and drinks while on vacation. These packages often include meals, drinks, and activities, which can add up quickly if you were to pay for them separately.

Services Offered

Red Tag Vacations offers a wide range of travel services to its customers. They specialize in customized getaways worldwide and offer all-inclusive vacations, flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. They also offer travel insurance, which provides peace of mind to travelers who want to protect their vacation investment.

Red Tag Vacations has a user-friendly website allowing customers to search and book their travel arrangements easily. They also have a customer service team available to assist customers with questions or concerns before, during, or after their trip.

However, most people have not had a great experience with that team. According to the  Better Business Bureau , the customer service of Red Tag Vacations has a rating of 1.7 out of 5 stars based on 37 customer reviews.

Red Tag Vacations offers competitive pricing for its travel services. They have a price match guarantee , which means that if a customer finds a lower price on the same vacation package elsewhere, Red Tag Vacations will match the price. They also offer payment plans, which allow customers to spread out the cost of their vacation over time.

However, it is important to note that sometimes, unexpected charges may occur when booking with Red Tag Vacations. Something similar happened with me, where I was charged $8 extra in the name of a ‘deliverance fee’. Because the amount was quite low, I didn’t want to go through the hassle of talking to a customer service rep. But all in all, it is important to carefully review all pricing and fees before booking to ensure no surprises.

In conclusion, Red Tag Vacations offers a variety of travel services at competitive prices. While there have been some reports of unexpected fees and charges, the pros of using Red Tag Vacations outweigh the cons. It is important to review all pricing and fees before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation experience.

Does Red Tag Vacations Have Any Rules And Regulations To Follow?

Like any other travel company, Red Tag Vacations has rules and regulations that customers must follow to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. 

Some of the standard rules and regulations of Red Tag Vacations are as follows.

1. Booking and Payment

Customers must make a reservation and pay the required deposit to secure their booking. The balance payment is typically due closer to the travel date.

2. Cancellation

Red Tag Vacations has a stringent cancellation policy. Customers must write to the company if they wish to cancel their booking. Depending on the time of cancellation, customers may be eligible for a partial or full refund, but more on that in the next section.

According to their website, cancellations made more than 21 days before departure are subject to a $50 per person cancellation fee. At the same time, cancellations made within 21 days of departure are subject to a fee of 100% of the total cost of the vacation.

3. Travel Documentation

Customers are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary travel documents, such as passports, visas, and travel insurance. It is essential to check the destination country’s entry requirements before booking.

4. Travel Itinerary 

Customers receive a travel itinerary with their flight schedule, accommodation, and transfers. Reviewing the itinerary carefully and informing the company of any discrepancies or changes required is crucial.

5. Travel Insurance 

Red Tag Vacations recommends customers purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected events such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or trip interruptions.

Customers must follow these rules and regulations when booking a vacation with Red Tag Vacations. 

Can You Get A Refund From Red Tag Vacations?

Red Tag Vacations has a cancellation policy that allows customers to cancel their bookings and receive a refund. However, the refund amount depends on the cancellation time and the booking type. 

While it is understandable that the company needs to protect itself from last-minute cancellations, this policy can be frustrating for customers who have unexpected circumstances arise and are unable to take their planned vacation.

Additionally, some customers have reported difficulty in getting refunds for cancelled trips, with some stating that they were only offered credits for future travel rather than a full refund. While I did manage to get my refund when I cancelled a booking through them, the whole process took a couple of weeks and multiple phone calls and emails.

Who Owns Red Tag Vacations?

Red Tag Vacations was founded by Frank DeMarinis, Joe DeMarinis, and Enzo DeMarinis, founders and co-owners of one of Canada’s largest retail travel agencies. They have joined hands with H.I.S. and are committed to supporting its continued growth. 

Red Tag Vacations has its partnership with TravelBrands Inc., a leading travel company based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. TravelBrands Inc. was founded in 1974 and has become one of Canada’s largest travel companies.

TravelBrands Inc. has a network of over 12,000 travel agents across Canada and is a subsidiary of the H.I.S Group. It is one of the largest travel companies in the world based in Tokyo, Japan.

Offering a range of travel services, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, and more, the H.I.S. Group is dedicated to facilitating its ongoing expansion.

How To Contact Red Tag Vacations?

In case any issues arise, you can contact Red Tag Vacations directly. There are several ways to contact them if if you need assistance with your booking or have any questions about their products or services. 

Here are some of the ways you can get in touch with them-

You can call Red Tag Vacations’ customer service team at 1-866-573-3824 if you are calling from within Canada or +1-416-679-0441 if you are calling from outside of Canada. The group claims to be available 24/7 to assist you.

You can send an email to Red Tag Vacations at [email protected] . You should receive a response within 24-48 hours.

3. Live Chat

You can chat with a Red Tag Vacations representative online by visiting their website and clicking the “Chat” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.

4. Social Media

Red Tag Vacations is active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can send them a message or leave a comment on their posts, and they will respond as soon as possible.

5. In-Person

If you prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit one of Red Tag Vacations’ physical locations. They have offices in cities across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. You can find the nearest location by visiting their website.

Final Remarks

I have often seen people needing clarification while using Red Tag Vacations. Through this article, I tried to clear all your doubts by talking about my experience with booking through this travel company.

Despite the mixed reviews, Red Tag Vacations has been in business for over a decade and has helped thousands of customers plan their dream vacations. The company offers a wide range of travel options, including flights, hotels, and vacation packages, which can be customized to meet individual needs and preferences.

While their services have some drawbacks, the pros definitey outweigh the cons for most customers.

My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals Guide

When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. First of all, they’re completely stress-free. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go. A cruise vacation is also a great option if you’re traveling with the whole family, especially when you opt for a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard. If you want to make your experience even more all-inclusive, you can opt for beverage and specialty dining packages that cover drinks and dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the fleet. On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation.

I’m ready to start planning my cruise — how can I score the best deals?

Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination , kids sail free promotions and flash sales. The savings don’t end when you book your cruise, though. Once you’ve made a reservation, you’ll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences — like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via My Royal Cruise .

Does it pay to plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?  

It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach? If you’re booking a cruise vacation, you’ll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings , as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings — but only if the itinerary you’re interested in hasn’t sold out yet.

If you can be flexible when it comes to your travel dates, you’ll have your pick of unbeatable savings. Popular vacation dates — like the holidays , spring break , summer vacation and week long cruises — sometimes see the highest prices (though you might get lucky with a seasonal sale). If you have the flexibility to travel during the shoulder season or off season, you’ll likely enjoy big savings on popular stateroom categories , like Balconies and even Suites. The deals don’t only apply to your cruise fare, though. Once you’ve booked your vacation, you could easily unlock discounts and specials on add-ons, including beverage and dining packages , Voom® high speed internet, shore excursions, and amazing experiences not included in your cruise fare — like a day of pampering at Vitality SM Spa, a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s galley followed by brunch, VIP seating at shows, and much more.

How can I maximize the value of my cruise vacation?

There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every ship in the fleet offers a range of delicious complimentary dining options , but you can dig into even more crave-worthy flavor by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package for less ahead of your cruise. Add a Specialty Beverage Package — which includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, and more — and your experience is as close to all-inclusive as it gets. And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra.

Royal Caribbean also offers deals based on departure ports  and destinations, so if you’re a flexible traveler looking for great savings, you can plan your next vacation around which itineraries are on sale. Just check your email or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/cruise-deals to stay up to date on promotions, sales and special offers. You can even browse sailings and deals by homeport, destination and season, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible deal no matter when or where in the world you choose to set sai.

Ready to start planning your next getaway? Start exploring cruise deals now.

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Redtag Vacations: How to Save on Your Next Trip with Redtag.ca

By Arthur Dubois | Published on 26 Aug 2022

Redtag Vacations offer Canadians yet another way to travel better. Travelling to new destinations or to old familiar ones can be fun and exciting. However, it can also be expensive. When you are making travel arrangements, it is always a good idea to shop around and see where you can save money. Using Redtag.ca can save you time and money when booking some time away from home.

What can I book through Redtag Vacations?

Redtag Vacations is a site that is tailored to suit your needs. If you are just going on a trip to visit family, you can choose to book just a flight . If you wish to stay elsewhere, you can also book a hotel . Do you need a rental vehicle to get around? You can book that, too. Are you travelling a little farther and longer? It also offers all-inclusive packages and cruises.

How can Redtag Vacations save me money?

Redtag Vacations will find the best deal for you by searching several different airline options and vacation packages. All you have to do is select what kind of vacation or travel you are looking for, and they will do the rest.  

Sometimes they even have special deals on last-minute bookings. They also feature deals and discounts for top travel destinations such as Las Vegas.

Can Redtag Vacations help me decide where to go?

If you want to take a trip but do not have a particular travel destination in mind, Redtag Vacations can also help you with that. There are many search options on the site to help narrow your choices. 

If you would like to know what is the best vacation destination in the fall or in the winter, you can even search by season. You can also search by price point. Set a budget and let Redtag help find the right trip within your budget.    

If you are looking for a nice relaxing vacation that is a bit more upscale, you can search for luxury hotels and resorts. There are searchable categories for European vacations, all-inclusive vacations, last-minute vacations, and for deals up to 60% off.

Read More: The 20 best places to visit in Canada for 2022

What are the trending destinations featured on Redtag Vacations?

Everyone seems to love a good beach vacation . Current popular destinations include Cancun, Varadero, Punta Cana, Cayo Coco, and Santa Clara.  

Other features of Redtag Vacations

Lowest price calendar.

Redtag Vacations has a lowest price calendar. Once you have selected a destination and travel dates, you can look at the calendar to see when the best prices are available and which flights suit you.  

Redtag Vacations shows you how many AIR MILES® you will earn when you book your trip. 

Payment options

Are you ready to travel but don’t quite have the funds? Select the vacation of your dreams and make monthly payments. Just remember that if you select the monthly payment option, you will be charged interest just as you would on a credit card. The other option is to pay for your trip using a travel credit card .

As a bonus, if you sign up for the Redtag Vacations newsletter, you will receive a $50 promo code. On top of receiving the code, you will receive the newsletter giving you access to exclusive discounts, sales, previews, and voucher giveaways.

Do I need travel insurance?

Anytime you travel, purchasing travel insurance is a good idea. You can compare prices from different providers and choose the insurance that best suits the trip you are booking. You may want to consider cancellation insurance, baggage insurance, and health and medical insurance. The latter is particularly important if you are leaving the country.

Read More: The 10 Best Travel Credit Cards for 2022

Can I use AIR MILES® to book my trip through Redtag Vacations?

As well as earning AIR MILES® when you book through Redtag Vacations, you can also use them to pay for all or a portion of your vacation. You earn one AIR MILES® point for every $20 you spend on a credit card when booking a vacation or cruise package. When you use Dream Miles, you earn $100 towards your vacation for every 909 Dream Miles you use.

Give the gift of travel with Redtag Vacations

Redtag Vacations also offers gift cards on their site. These can be purchased in denominations of $50, $100, $250, and $500. You can choose to have the gift card shipped to you, directly to the recipient, or sent as an e-gift card.

These gift cards can be used to purchase any travel product on redtag.ca, and make a great gift for any occasion.

Do I need a computer to book through Redtag Vacations?

You can visit the Redtag Vacations website on the computer or your phone or tablet. Redtag Vacations also has an app that you can download to your iPhone.

FAQs about Redtag Vacations

Redtag Vacations will accept visa debit cards and credit cards to book vacations.

Once you book a vacation through Redtag Vacations, you are subject to the terms and conditions to which you agreed. These terms and conditions clearly state that cancellations or changes may result in a 100% penalty, plus an additional redtag.ca cancellation fee. Some changes may be allowed depending on the policy of the supplier.

Sometimes, booking a vacation and finding the best value can be daunting. It can seem like the options are endless, and you are continually clicking on links. If you want to be sure you have found the best deal, you can always use the site’s chat function or call the toll-free number that is provided. A travel specialist can help you find the best deal for your trip.

Arthur Dubois

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Redtag.ca makes cruise dreams come true.

Sail away with flexible and interest-free payment options

TORONTO , Aug. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Hold onto your sun hats, Canada's favourite full-service travel company, redtag .ca, is dropping some serious travel news. Say goodbye to FOMO and hello to your cruise dreams. From August 24 to September 10, 2023 , redtag .ca is making waves with a deal that lets everyone - cruise enthusiasts, chill-seekers, and the whole crew - dive into the journey of a lifetime with interest-free monthly payments.

Picture this: endless oceans calling your name and exotic spots waiting to be explored. At redtag.ca, they know that wanderlust doesn't care about budgets. With interest rates only going up, redtag.ca is fighting inflation and letting you travel your way. This promotion is all about saying yes to that dream cruise while keeping things comfy for your wallet. No stress, no fuss - just smooth sailing as you spread out the cost and make your travel dreams a reality.

Cruising is waking up to a world of wonders every single day. The sea is your playground, and each port is an invite to adventure. Feel the breeze, taste the salt, and leave the daily grind behind as you hop on board.

redtag.ca has always been at the forefront of innovation, ensuring travellers have access to the best travel options. By introducing interest-free monthly payments for cruises, redtag.ca continues to revolutionize the travel industry, providing customers with unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Whether it's exploring the stunning Caribbean islands, embarking on a majestic Alaskan journey, or indulging in the beauty of the Mediterranean, redtag.ca's cruise offerings cater to every traveller's desires.

With their extensive range of cruise options, impeccable customer service, and now the added convenience of monthly payments, redtag.ca is the ultimate choice for those seeking to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. For more information, please visit https://www.redtag.ca/cruises .

About redtag.ca

redtag.ca is one of Canada's leading full-service travel companies designed to connect travellers to their dream getaways through the power of innovation and technology. They specialize in customized trips worldwide while finding the best deals on vacation packages, flights, cruises, hotels, car rentals, and more. redtag.ca is fully owned and operated by H.I.S.-Red Label Vacations Inc. For more information, please visit redtag.ca.

SOURCE redtag.ca

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2023/24/c7458.html

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Cruise Ship Theft Can Happen — Here, 12 Safety Items a Former Cruise Employee Says You Should Pack

Peace of mind starts at just $15.

Kelsey’s writing has appeared in outlets like Condé Nast Traveler, TripSavvy, Edible Magazine, and TimeOut. Some of the most standout experiences in her travels include living in Tokyo, abseiling in Vanuatu, surfing in Costa Rica, and cycling through the Pyrenees mountains.

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Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

As a former cruise ship crew member (and current travel writer), I’ve spent a lot of time on cruise ships. I’ve sailed the winter season between Australia and Fiji, the summer season in the Med, and spent over 100 days on a World Cruise. Unlike airplanes, buses, cars, and trains, where a traveler must remain alert (and usually upright) during transit, cruises allow travelers the luxury of going to sleep in one country and waking up in another; and enjoying a sunset cocktail in between. As calm and relaxing as cruise travel can be, it can still set the scene for a slew of unique (and unexpected) theft possibilities. Hence why it's essential that travelers be aware of their belongings and surroundings.

Cruising presents two different opportunities for theft: onboard and ashore. Although it is rare to be a victim of theft while onboard, it still happens. According to the US Department of Transportation’s Cruise Line Incident Report , there were 20 reported thefts of more than $10,000 on cruise ships that docked in the US in 2023. When you compare that with the 18 million passengers of 2023’s North American cruise market , the likelihood of theft onboard is low. But, as highlighted by CNN , current legislation does not require the cruise lines and US Coast Guard to report more minor instances of theft. And as such, pinpointing global statistics for cruise ship incidents can be tricky. 

“Cruise ships cross so many jurisdictional lines during their travels; where the theft occurs may impact its reporting and resolution,” says Anna Redmond, founder of Braav, a platform that matches top security talent with businesses on demand. Regardless of which country you’re sailing through, an onboard theft should be reported to the ship’s staff security as quickly as possible to accelerate action. And, your travel bag should be equipped with smart accessories to help ward off would-be thieves. 

If you’re headed out on a cruise and you want to be prepared for anything, both onboard and ashore, investing in some budget-friendly travel accessories can provide invaluable peace of mind. Below, you'll find this longtime cruiser's go-to, anti-theft travel essentials to keep your valuables secure, as well as my tips on how to ensure a safe cruise experience. 

Portable Lock Box

Most cruise ship cabins come equipped with a personal safe. But, these electronic safes all have master codes that unlock them. If this makes you nervous, you might feel better bringing your own safe to lock up things like watches, electronics, or jewelry. This portable lock box takes up little space in your luggage and uses a four-digit combination lock that you set, which many consider safer than the digital safes that have reset codes and master keys. 

It's also a genius gadget to have handy when you're hanging around the ship, especially if you'll be enjoying the cruise's itinerary and leaving your essentials in your beach bag as you hop from activity to activity. And, it'll give you peace of mind to pack in your tote when you're docked. 

Apple AirTag 4-pack 

A traveler’s best friend, the Apple AirTag is a must for any kind of travel as it keeps a close eye on your valuables, suitcases, and so on. To prepare for a cruise, tuck an AirTag in every piece of luggage, including your purse or wallet. Always turn on the “Find My” app on your Apple devices so you can monitor your AirTags from anywhere. When you leave the ship to explore ashore, always leave one Apple device onboard safely in your cabin so you can use it to ping another device if it gets stolen. 

When traveling ashore, never bring high-value items with you; they’re safer in your stateroom. Nevertheless, you should still have some emergency cash and your passport on you. I recommend keeping these essentials as close to your body as possible, ideally in a zippered pocket. Pickpockets are called that for a reason; they’re adept at snagging items from open, accessible pockets. If your clothes aren't stocked with zippered pockets, a money belt or lanyard wallet (looped through a belt loop), secures belongings to your person discreetly.

Personal Safety Alarm

Most theft occurs when a traveler isn’t paying attention. But on rare occasions, thieves can get more confrontational, especially if they’ve cornered you alone. In these cases, it helps to make as much noise as possible to attract attention to the bad actor. A loud personal safety alarm may be enough to send the thief running for fear witnesses may soon appear. Shoppers say that they feel "safer" just by "being in possession" of this useful gadget, which emits a loud siren-level alarm and a bright LED light. 

A Dummy Wallet

If you’re a victim of a mugging, always act with your safety in mind first. If a mugger is demanding your wallet in a hurry, you could play the part of the cunning traveler and hand over a decoy wallet. This is a wallet you carry with a few expired credit cards and a small amount of cash. The act of handing over a wallet and running away could be enough to distract your mugger until you make it to a safe place.

A Cell Phone Lanyard

When I spoke with Panache Cruises founder, James Cole, he shared his own story of theft while walking and using his cell phone. The thief was on a motorbike and “snatched my mobile phone and promptly sped away — I should have known better. But it goes to show that even experienced travelers can be lured into a false sense of security when on holiday.” 

A mobile phone lanyard like this luxe one from Casemate could help you keep a firmer grip on your phone and make it harder to snatch quickly from your grasp. For something a little more rugged, opt for this adjustable nylon one from Amazon-loved brand Outxe ; it can be worn around your neck or on your wrist. 

Luggage Lock

If you’re wary of the security of your cabin, then you’ll have peace of mind by locking your luggage while you’re out of your room. Cruise ships don’t allow door locks due to ship safety (in case of fire, etc.), but a luggage lock is your next best bet for securing your belongings in your room. 

Many travelers forget that some of their most valuable travel belongings are invisible. Our personal data is at risk any time we connect to a public Wi-Fi network ashore. A private VPN protects your network and the activity you conduct on your phone, such as checking bank account balances. As a cruise ship crew member, I was always seeking out public Wi-Fi when ashore because the ship’s Wi-Fi was spotty or too expensive. A VPN will provide you peace of mind for surfing the web safely no matter where you are.

Portable Charger 

Phones are a traveler’s no. 1 safety tool. If you’ve been a victim of theft, you don’t want to be stranded with a battery-sapped phone. You may need it to call for help, or to navigate the nearest police station. And if your phone itself has been stolen, you’ll want it to have some charge so you can ping it using “Find My iPhone” or its inherent location tracker. That’s why it’s essential that you keep it full of charge.

Anti-theft Backpack

Backpacks are a great bag to take ashore for all-day exploring. But, be careful wearing a backpack in a busy, crowded destination. It’s hard to feel when someone is slipping into your pack's pockets when crowds are pushing against you from all sides. The chaos of crowds makes it easy for an opportunist to dip into your bag. To avoid backpack theft, wear it on your front as you head into busy areas (you’ll look goofy, but it’s worth it). Alternatively, invest in a backpack with little to no accessible exterior pockets and zippers. This Nordace backpack has a secret security pocket that sits against your back, making it good for passports, money, and wallets. You could also use luggage locks looped through your backpack’s zippers for extra safety.

Slash-proof Bag

I’ll never forget the story my mother told me of when she was walking down the sidewalk in Rome with a girl friend and a motorbike zipped by, swiftly cutting the strap of her friend’s bag right off her shoulder without ever slowing down. Although this is the only account I’ve ever heard of motorized thieves with scissors, perhaps you can never be too careful. A bag strap that’s hefty and hard to slash through could save you from motorbike trickery.

Travelon's RFID-blocking, slash-proof crossbody bag is specially designed to prevent four common points of theft (grab-and-go theft, pickpockets, slash-and-grab theft, and electronic identity theft), which is why it's one of Amazon's top-selling travel purses (more than 2,000 of them were sold in the last month, according to the retailer). Also, practice wearing your bag on the side of your body away from the street. 

Extra: Travel Insurance

Travel insurance on a cruise can come in handy for a number of scenarios. Look into plans that will specifically reimburse you for the value of your stolen items. For example, if the item stolen is a pricey cell phone, then the minor expense of travel insurance could end up saving you a lot. 

Now that you know what to pack, read on for more useful tips before you cruise that will give you peace of mind. 

More Ways to Prevent Onboard Theft: 

Safety on a cruise ship.

Safety on a cruise ship is comprehensive. In all of my years of cruising, I have never experienced (or even heard of) any accounts of onboard theft. Cruise passengers have their locked cabin to stow luggage, and most staterooms have in-room safes for high-value items. Every cruise ship also has a team of designated safety and security officers. These officers monitor public areas while at sea and remain at the gangway for the entire duration of the ship’s docking in port. Everyone leaving and entering the ship is scanned using an electronic system. This scanning ensures no passengers are left ashore before a ship departs, but it also registers all activity entering and leaving the vessel. No unrecorded people can enter the ship. At any one time, the ship’s Bridge (the captain and their officers) know the names and quantity of passengers onboard. 

Whatsmore, most ships are equipped with video surveillance in public areas. “Every public space [is] constantly monitored by CCTV cameras,” Cole tells Travel + Leisure . Video surveillance helps the Bridge quickly monitor things like a fire, but it’s also in the best safety interest of passengers to help security officers investigate reported incidents. 

Theft When Ashore

Theft that occurs when a cruise passenger is ashore is much harder to track as those crimes are reported to police in the country of port, not the cruise line. As you can imagine, petty theft in crowded destinations (though still infrequent) is more likely than on a secured cruise ship full of other holidayers. Pickpockets can be found milling in bustling destinations where the chaos makes it easy to get close to someone. 

If you are a victim of theft while ashore, your first point of contact should be local police. It is unlikely that you’ll resolve the issue before you need to head back to the ship before it departs. This time crunch makes the next tip all the more critical: never bring or wear high-value items with you ashore, and try not to travel with a significant amount of cash on you at one time. 

Busy tourist destinations are also hot spots for street scams, which can fool travelers into handing over their money using tricks and elaborate setups. Before leaving for your cruise, do a quick search on common street scams in your ports of call so you’re not caught off-guard.

Anti-theft Traveler Tips

Whether sipping a daiquiri by the ship’s pool or wandering ashore in the old town of Dubrovnik, you should always be aware of yourself and your surroundings. Redmond reminds travelers: “Common sense rules still apply. Most theft is theft of opportunity." This means that crimes occur when travelers are negligent of their personal items. Onboard, this could look like leaving your room key on a bar while you walk back to your table to grab something. Ashore, this could look like slinging your purse out of sight on the back of your chair instead of keeping it in your lap. 

I remember when my crewmember roommate came back to the ship as we departed Barcelona, exhausted from spending the afternoon speaking with Spanish police after she set her purse down on a restaurant’s sidewalk table, only to have it deftly stolen when she wasn’t paying attention. Even savvy full-time travelers can be victims of theft. 

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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