Heard from a friend who works at one of the cruise terminals that six would-be cruisers were denied boarding this past weekend due to “improper/incomplete documentation.” Apparently, none had read Lorraine’s diatribe on why one should possess a passport – FIE! Perhaps “redux” time?

Speaking of friends who work a cruise terminals, how bout a big “Huzzah” for those hard-working individuals who smile in the face of adversity – sore feet and achy muscles – and strive so diligently to make your first or repeat check-in procedure as pleasant as possible.

Keep in mind that these persons have been at their post since long before the ship has docked and will remain busy long after you have departed on your trek through the ship channel.

Do they do it for the money? NO WAY!! Do they do it for free cruises? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! They do it simply for the love of customer service – service that often includes attempting to solve your documentation problems, your carry-on luggage problems, your credit card problems, and (unfortunately) sometimes – FOG PROBLEMS!

Lorraine once arrived at a port of embarkation while the ship was still stuck in the ship channel (it was well past noon) – and the “masses” were restless!
Did the terminal personnel flinch? NOPE – (not visibly, at least). Instead, they proceeded in a very professional manner to check us in “by hand” (since the computers were on the not-yet-arrived ship) – cater (smilingly) to our gripes, and manage to keep everything under control during the seemingly-endless wait. Incidentally, the box lunch was most appreciated-LOL!

So – the next time you cruise – take a second to offer a sincere smile and a “thank you” to these hard-working (but rarely-appreciated) shore personnel.