2/2014 Hideaways International's Top 10 Romantic Escapes with a Twist
1/2014 Top 12 Hottest Travel Spots for 2014
9/2013 A+ Travel: Best-in-Class Learning Experiences
7/2013 Hideaways International Rounds Up Its Top 10 Last-Minute Summer Escapes
6/2013 Top 5 Toast-Worthy Trips for Father's Day, Hideaways-Style
4/2013 Summer Dilemma: To Travel With or Without the Kids
4/2013 Top 5 Ways to Send Mom Packing, Hideaways-Style
3/2013 New Additions to The Hideaways Collection
2/2013 The Hideaways.com 2013 "Valentine's Travel List"
1/2013 Hideaways.com Names Top 13 Hottest Spots for 2013
2/2012 Hideaways.com's Top 10 Most Romantic Retreats for 2012
1/2012 Hideaways.com Names Top 12 Soon-To-Be-Hot Destinations for 2012
1/2012 Travel Expert & Veteran Cruiser's Top 5 Tips for Cruising Safely
12/2011
Top 6
Scrooge-Approved Vacation Retreats
8/2011
Bare-It-All
Poll Results: 89% of Discerning Travelers Likely to Shed Their Inhibitions
While on Vacation
6/2011
Hideaways
International Names Winner of "Rescue Me" Contest
6/2011
Top 8 "Go Big"
Family Vacations
6/2011
Top 8 Pools
with a View & a Twist
3/2011
Top 7
Unexpected & Unforgettable Cruise Experiences
2/2011
Top 10 Most
Romantic Hideaways for 2011
2/2011
Going Solo
(Happily) on Valentine's Day - Top 5 Vacation Spots for Singles!
1/2011
#@*# Happens!
Especially When Traveling
1/2011
Hideaways
International's Top 10 for 2011
4/2010
Hideaways.com's
Sexy & Sustainable 7
3/2010
Hideaways
International's Top 10 Destination Wedding Spots
2/2010
Hideaways
International's Sexy 7 Hideouts
1/2010
Travelers Help
Haiti
12/2009
Hideaways
International's Top 10 Destinations for 2010
11/2009
Poll Results:
No one wants to spend Thanksgiving at a relative's house, yet 65% will do just
that!
11/2009
Top 10 Villa
Resorts for a Family Thanksgiving
10/2009
Haunted
Hideaways: Where Ghosts & Guests Enjoy Luxury
8/2009
Yes We Can . .
. Vacation Like President Obama
8/2009
Poll Results:
78% of High-End Travelers Want to Visit Cuba
5/2009
Vacationing
WITHOUT The Kids
4/2009
It's Almost
Time For The Family Vacation!
4/2009
"Revealing"
Poll Results: 81% of Luxe Travelers Are Losing Their
Shirts—Literally—While on Vacation
4/2009
The
Sexy—and Sustainable—Seven
2/2009
The Luxe
Travel Guru Makes His Picks for Where to Travel in 2009
2/2009
Hideaways
Announces 2009 Luxury Cruise Sale
1/2009
Hideaways
Names The 10 Most Romantic Retreats In The World
1/2009
Travel Expert
Available As Guest For Your Show...
1/2009
Vacation Like
The President-Elect In A Villa Or Private Home!
12/2008
Santa Claus is
the Latest Recipient of Hideaways International's "I Need a Hideaway" Award
11/2008
Vacation Like
the Rich and Famous
10/2008
How is this for
the Coolest Job on the Planet?
|
Contact: Gail Richard (603-430-4433 x112)
Photos available upon request
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Travel Expert & Veteran Cruiser's
Top 5 Tips for Cruising Safely
|
Portsmouth, New Hampshire--(January 2012)--The recent disaster aboard the m/s Costa Concordia has sparked intense interest in
cruising safety, yet very few cruise lines offer specific safety advice. To address this serious void, travel expert and veteran cruiser
Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International, Inc. ( Hideaways.com) shares his
must-know tips for cruising safely.
|
1. Think Small When You Plan a Cruise
For increased safety, as well as a number of other reasons--like an overall higher-level experience--consider cruise lines that specialize
in smaller ships, anywhere from 100 to about 1,000 passengers. These ships usually have a higher crew-to-guest ratio (that means better
service and more trained crew), and likely the crew aboard smaller vessels are a tighter-knit group with less turnover, so they probably
have a greater familiarity with the ship and each other. Besides, in an emergency situation, less--people, that is--is more.
|
"I first cruised at five years old and, in all the cruising I've done in the decades since, I've never experienced a situation that was
truly serious of life-threatening," says Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International, Inc. "And yet I always expect
the unexpected when I cruise, and I've developed my own safety checklist."
|
|
2. Choose a Cabin Strategically
Opt for a cabin or suite near a set of stairs (in an emergency, you won't be using the elevator) and toward the middle of the ship--the
higher the deck, the better. That way you can evacuate more quickly if necessary. Besides, being central on the ship and near the stairs
and elevators will make it easier to get around under normal circumstances.
3. Prepare a "Ditch Bag"
Before you leave, pack a small bag with items that will be useful in an emergency. The bag can be as small or smaller than your toiletries
kit, even a zip-lock bag, but it is best if it's a bright color to be easily identifiable in your luggage or a drawer. Stow it in your
check-on luggage with these three key items (the fourth is for checked baggage only).
• A small waterproof flashlight (preferably the LED type) with fresh batteries.
• A small, lightweight, and waterproof strobe light such as those used by kayakers to help searchers spot you, day or night, in an
emergency.
• A simple police whistle to signal with. Note many personal flotation devices (PFDs) are already equipped with a whistle and strobe
light, but why take a chance?
• A Swiss Army knife or Leatherman multi-tool--either could be a lifesaver in an emergency and also can come in handy for other
things around your cabin, like opening a bottle of wine. Just remember, it must be in your checked baggage.
4. Pack Smart
If you have to go in the water, hypothermia is a big worry, especially if you're wearing cotton. If you have time to change clothes, don a
synthetic polypro or similar T-shirt and a synthetic fleece vest. Worn under your PFD, they will act as a sort of wet suit and keep your
body core warmer. A shell windbreaker on top will add to your protection and even is good for strolls around deck at night when it can be
chilly.
5. Familiarize Yourself with the Lay of the Ship
After settling into your cabin, take some time to read the safety information on the back of your cabin door. Familiarize yourself as soon
as possible with the layout of the ship. The exercise will be good for you, and you'll have the lay of the ship down so you won't waste as
much time and energy getting to the dning room, the gym, or the spa during the early days of your cruise. Do show up promptly for the
safety muster (it must be held within 24 hours of sailing). On most ships, it's held either the evening of sailing, before cocktail hour,
or, if a late sailing, the next morning after breakfast.
"Beyond these suggestions, I encourage you to just relax and enjoy as much pampering as you can on your cruise," says Thiel. "You surely
deserve it."
|
About Mike Thiel
Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International TM in 1979. Over the last three decades, he has traveled the world sampling its best
lodgings and travel experiences, and has become a sought-after guest on radio and television news and talk shows across the country. Thiel
first cruised at five years of age on the s/s Queen Mary; in the decades since, Thiel has cruised on the smallish ships of Star
Clippers, Windstar, and SeaDream, and on the mid-size ships of lines like Silversea, Regent, and many more. Thiel considers cruising a
favorite vacation experience and a very safe way of enjoying the world.
To arrange an interview with Mike Thiel, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.
About Hideaways International™
Hideaways International, Inc., which operates the Hideaways Aficionado ® Club, has been seeking
the best-of-kind and the out-of-the-ordinary for its savvy, discerning, and well-traveled members for more than three decades. Members, who
hail from around the world, range from notable celebrities, musicians, publishers, authors, captains of industry, and politicians to
ordinary folks with extraordinary taste. All are part of this lively community with a passion for travel away from the madding crowds.
For more information, visit www.Hideaways.com or contact Gail
Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.
# # #
|
|