The Cruise Aficioandos Podcast and VLOG: Labadee, Haiti.

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From the Blogs

Jones Act Waiver for Puerto Rico

With the response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico lagging badly behind that seen in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and after growing public calls for action, the U.S. finally waived the Jones Act for a time. This will allow a wider range of ships to transit directly between ports in the U.S. and the Caribbean island territory. The Jones Act is an example of "cabotage law," meaning regulation of trade between domestic ports. Laws like it exist in most countries and the intent originally was to protect fleets of merchant marine ships and personnel from competition from other countries. The fear was that if other countries could push domestic ship building out of business and reduce the number of native sailors. In the event of a war such a weakness could have been disastrous for most countries dependent on trade over water.

The law forces trade (passenger travel or goods and services) traveling from one U.S. port to another must be built in the U.S., crewed by Americans, and owned by Americans. The Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1920 is very similar and applies to passenger vessels specifically. The PVSA however states that no ship failing any of the three mandates in the Jones Act can pick passengers up in one U.S. port, then debark them at a different U.S. port without visiting a second country first. In this case the Jones Act prevents fleets of ships that fail any of the three mandates to travel directly from American ports to Puerto Rico. This had the effect of crippling shipments of needed supplies and materials needed to aid hurricane recover efforts. Within the cruise industry and beyond there is strong sentiment to update and change the Jones Act and the PVSA to reflect modern times. Such would allow for radical growth in cruises that travel entire itineraries of U.S. and Canadian ports, boost tourism in said ports and certainly create new jobs. However the Jones Act and PVSA have staggeringly well funded, determined and organized union and business interests who have successfully defended the laws for nearly a hundred years. Some think the hurricanes might finally lead to some changes but there seems little momentum given the current political climate in the U.S.

The Love of Cruising Carnival

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Hello my fellow cruisers, I hope that everyone's holidays were prosperous and exciting. I also hope that each celebration of valentines was exactly as you wanted it to be! Speaking of valentines did you know the best way to truly show someone how much you love them is a cruise. Wheither it be a holiday or just because, a cruise is the best way to celebrate your anniversary, birthday, graduation, retirement or any other special events in your life.

As we approach a ramp up in the travel season let me help you prepare. First make sure you have a passport let's start there. This is what unlocks all the treasures. Next, decide when and where you would like to go. Check with family, friends, co-workers and make it a grand experience. Check out what each ship has to offer. Carnival has a fleet of ships that will quench all that you thirst for. If you love adventure, freedom and a party atmosphere Carnival is the place for you. Carnival Cruises have something to offer everyone.

In December, I traveled with family and friends for the most astonishing and amazing time. Fun, tranquility and food! Imagine 24hrs of food, laughter and excitement. I don't think I stopped eating or smiling the entire time! Either way the experience is what memories are made of! In the upcoming blog I will attempt to help you travel with ease, the in's and out's of cruising and how to get the most for your money and time. The do's and dont's and a few shortcuts to capture what dreams are truly made of. So stay tuned in and let's get ready to make some memories!

The Cruise Aficionados Podcast, all VLOG style! Visit Labadee, Haiti and get a peak at one of the best beach days in cruising!

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