In this forum we will present answers to questions from our clients about our 2009 Eclipse Cruise. If you have a question you would liked to see addressed here please send us an e-mail or call (888) 412-5317.

Has the economy impacted the cruise
Round Trip Air
Transfers to and from the ship
Passport, Visa and Health requirements for this cruise
Costa Website - how to register
Backup Weather Plans in the event of bad weather
Deck Space
Ship Stability
Enrichment Lectures and Activites
Will the regular cruise amenities be included?
I'm going alone. Can you assist me finding another to share the cabin?
How can I be assured that the cruise is legitimate?
Notice to California Clients?
Link to Costa's FAQ page

Has the economy impacted the cruise - There have been some significant impacts but they do not threaten the viability of the cruise. The ship was very nearly full by last September. When the economy started to come apart we started getting cancellations and the pace increased as the situation worsened. By then end of the year we had lost nearly 500 passengers. After the new year we started to see some reservations and we've replace some of those lost but at present there are 84 available cabins.

Frankly, we are not yet at break even. But every cabin on the cruise, whether it's occupied or not, has been paid for in full. This will impact minor things - budgets for enrichment activities, entertainment and similar amenities might be reduced a bit but all in all the program will go forward - it will be the experience of a life time.

The impact on air will be more significant for some. Airlines have not dropped fuel surcharges and they do not have plans do do so any time soon even though the price of oil has dropped dramatically since last summer. Further, air rates have remained the same. The effect is that the price for air is going to be higher than expected. When air prices were first put up on the website, it was not anticipated that there would be any. The price page merely advised that if there were any fuel surcharges, at the time tickets were issued, the cost would be passed on. I have revised the website to indicate there are fuel surcharges and guests have been sent revised invoices indicating the amount of the fuel surcharge for their air city.

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Air/Sea Program Details - Low cost group air is available from major North American and European cities. It is a standard cruise air package that includes transfers to and from the ship plus over night hotel, if one is needed.

What airline will I fly on? - Like most cruise line air packages the actual flights (airline and routes) will not be known until your air tickets are issued, which will occur in April 2009. The company providing our cruise air package, Global Marine Travel, has multiple bulk contracts for all major cities, which is how we are able to offer you a firm price. However, multiple flights from most air cities are used, not just a single flight. Airlines normally allocate only 25 to 50 group seats per flight. Also, there are just a few US cities with direct flights to China. Accordingly, people coming from smaller cities must be routed through a city with a direct flight. In some cases, people coming from the same smaller cities may be routed through different cities with direct flights if we have to balance load factors. Another factor is the number of people going early or staying later. For these reasons, final decisions are not made until we know each persons final plans. We do allocate space on various flights as people advise us of their wishes. But this remains a very fluid situation until tickets are issued.

Air deviation - If you need to know your flights, wish to use a specific flight or airline or want to fly on a different day you can request an air deviation. We will research your flight options and submit them to you for final approval. You will then have 48 hours to accept or decline the air deviation. If you accept the air deviation your tickets are issued and the payment is charged to your credit card. There is a $75 fee for this service and any differential cost in the ticket is passed on to you. These differential costs are usually additional costs and they can be significant as it frequently involves individual (non-group) rates. Transfers are no longer included with air tickets issued under this program and all airline restrictions and fees will apply when the tickets are issued.

When do I pay for my air tickets? - You will pay for your air tickets at the time they are issued, which will be in early April 2009. At this time we ask you to advise us of your flight plans so that we can reserve space for you. There is no deposit required, no obligation on your part and no change or cancellation fees involved if you cancel or change your request before your tickets are issued. We will issue your air tickets in early April of 2009 and once your tickets are issued the usual airline restrictions for group tickets will apply. Once issued, group air tickets are non-refundable and a significant change fee is required if any changes need to be made. Tickets issued with an air deviation are paid for at the time the air deviation is accepted.

Please note - those using credit cards to pay for their air package will see two charges on their statement - the total of both charges will equal the air amount as it is listed on your invoice. One charge will be made directly by the airline, through either Sita World Travel or Global Marine Travel depending on which provider is making your air arrangements. A separate charge will be made by Mayhugh Travel, Inc. to cover the cost of your transfers and overnight hotel in China (if needed). The total of these two charges will equal the air amount as listed on your invoice.

Do I earn frequent flyer miles with the cruise line air package? - Usually not. That said, some have been successful calling in the flights to the airline and requesting that they be applied. Also, group air flights are not upgrade-able to a higher class of service. Most frequent flyer programs require you to purchase a full fare non-restricted coach class ticket if you wish to upgrade to a higher class of service.

What are the baggage restrictions for my flight? - Group air tickets have the same baggage restrictions as other tickets. However, baggage restrictions vary from airline to airline. You will have to check with the specific airline for their restrictions.

Can I request seat assignments? - Yes. Once your tickets are issued you can call in your seat requests to the airline. Seat assignment procedures vary from airline to airline and they are sometimes subject to change. It is a good idea to go over your seat assignments again when you call the airline to re-confirm your flights (within 24 hours of your flight departure time).

Additional information about air/sea packages offered by cruise lines can be found at the Costa Air Connections webpage.

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Transfers for those making their own Air arrangements - motor coach transfers to and from the ship are included in our air/sea package. Those of you making your own air arrangements can purchase low cost transfers from us. They are available July 17th from area airports to the ship and on July 29th from the ship back to area airports.

For Beijing's Capital Airport (PEK) - coaches will depart between 7 am and 10 am on July 17th. Return transfers back to PEK will depart the ship between 7am and 10 am. The cost for these transfers is $45 per person each way. Plan on a travel time of 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Please note the last coach leaves PEK airport at 10 am.

For Tianjin International Airport (TSN) - coaches will depart between 9 am and 12 noon. Return transfers back to TSN will depart the ship between 7am and 10 am. The cost for these transfers is $30 each way. Plan on travel time of 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. Please note the last coach leaves TSN airport at 12 noon.

Important Note on arrival times - We are not able to accommodate passengers on flights with scheduled arrival time after 8 am at PEK airport and 10 am at TSN airport. If you are not able to arrange flights that arrive before these times we recommend that you fly the day before, get a room for the night of July 16th and get back to the airport the next morning to catch the transfers. You must make it back to the airport, on your own, to catch the transfer coach. Transfers are not available on any other day, at any other time or from any other location.

Beijing Hotel - Those of you flying the day before the cruise will need a room for the night of July 16. We can provide a room at the Sino-Swiss Hotel. The price is $140 per room for 1 or 2 people - 3rd person in room is $30 extra. Price includes complimentary airport shuttle and breakfast. Contact us if you'd like a room.

Directions to TIANJIN PORT PASSENGER TERMINAL - For those coming from Beijing or Tianjin Urban area, they can take JinJinTang Highway (EASTWARD: about 142 KM) , then change to Tang Jin Highway (SOUTHWARD: 4.9 KM), then turn to G103 Road (EASTWARD: 4 KM), drive along Shanghai Avenue (EASTWARD: 4.3 KM), then to Xin Gang Road (442 M), the next is Xin Gang Yi Hao Road (3.3 KM), eventually you will find passenger terminal at the end of this road.

Address:
TIANJIN PORT PASSENGER TERMINAL
Liumi, #129, Xingang Yi Hao Road
Tanggu District, Tianjin
Tel: +8622-25706728


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Passports, Visas and Health Information -

Passport Information - All passengers must have a valid passport for this cruise. It must be valid for at least six months beyond the last day of your planned vacation. If you need assistance in securing a new or renewal passport, or additional visa pages to your passport, please contact CIBT at 1-800-406-1523, Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, CST.

Recent changes in the law require travel suppliers to collected additional information from guests. To comply with these requirements all guest are now be required to provide Mayhugh Travel, Inc. with a photocopy of the first two pages of their passports. This information allows us to develop an accurate manifest for the cruise, allows us to accurately issue your tickets and provides the cruise line and officials accurate information as required by law.

Guests are put on notice that they could be denied boarding or entry if information provided by them is inaccurate or insufficient. Mayhugh Travel, Inc. and Costa Cruise Lines are not liable for any loss that results from inaccurate or insufficient information provide by guests. You may send us a photocopy by regular mail, Fax or you may scan it and send it to use by email. Our contact details are at the bottom of this page. Please note we are not able to take this information over the phone.

Visa Information - All passengers that are not citizens of the Peoples Republic of China must have an entry Visa for China. Some passengers may need and entry Visa for South Korea and/or Japan. All passengers are solely responsible for complying with all passport and visa requirements for their countries of citizenship and Mayhugh Travel, Inc. will not be liable in any way if you are denied entry into a country.

Chinese Visa - Special Announcement - May 5, 2009 - The Chinese Embassy announced that it will no longer accept expedited processing of Visa applications from US, Canada and Mexico. This does not effect the normal 6 days processing time for normal visa applications. Click here for details about this change.

In addition all applicants from the US and Canada are now required to complete and submit an additional form. This form can be down-loaded here. This change does not effect the submission date recommendations setforth in the Visa Pack instructions. Guests are still advise to submit their visa applications during the first half of June. For questions about this contact the CIBT visa service at (800) 929-2428.

Requirements for US Citizens - US citizens need a valid entry visa for China but do not need an entry visa for South Korea or Japan. Mayhugh Travel, Inc. is pleased to provide its US guests with information and forms to help them obtain their entry visa for China. Chinese visas are stamped in your passport; and, in general, the Chinese consulate requires one clean visa page (not amendment page) for the visa stamp.

China Visas are normally good for 30 days but a visa for a longer period of time is available with justification for additional time. It is recommended that you apply for your Visa about 3 to 4 weeks prior to your departure date of your vacation. Guests are put on notice that if they apply for their visa too early and they expire before their trip is over, they will not be allowed to enter China and they will have to obtain an new visa at their own expense. Again, each guest is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary documentation, including passports and visas.

The basic cruise program will have two entries into China, therefore the "default" visa is the 30 day double entry visa. Those leaving the cruise in Japan will need just a 30 day single entry visa. If you are extending your stay beyond the cruise and tour elements we are providing you are advised to check with a visa service or the Chinese government to make sure you obtain the proper visa.

Chinese Visa Kit for US guests - Mayhugh Travel, Inc. is working with CIBT, the group division of the Zierer Visa Service, to provide our guests with the information and forms they need to obtain the proper entry documentation for their vacation. CIBT has prepare a China Visa kit for US citizens. Click here to down load this kit.

Those guests that wish to obtain their Chinese visa on their own may do so. Forms and instructions can be obtained at the Chinese Embassy web site. Click here for this page. Please note two points from this web page:
1) Normally the duration of stay of a “L” visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry. If your estimated stay in China is longer than 30 days, please make it clear in the application form and ask for the Visa Officer's approval when you submit your application. In other words you'll have to give them a valid reason for wanting a visa good for more than 30 days. And if you apply too early, it will expire before your trip is over and you'll have to get another visa at your own expense.
2) If you cannot come in person, you may entrust someone else or a visa agent to drop off your application at the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate - General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside. Mailed applications are not acceptable and will be returned. Mayhugh Travel can not drop off your application for you.

For more information about travel for US citizens to China visit the China web page from the US State Department's web site. Click here for this page.

Addresses for the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the US.

• Chinese Embassy in Washington DC
  Address: 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20007
  Tel: (202) 338-6688, (202)5889760
  Fax: (202) 588-9760
• Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, IL
  Address: 1 East Erie Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611
  Tel: (312) 573-3070/3071
  Fax: (312) 803-0122
• Chinese Consulate General in Houston, TX
  Address: 3417 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006
  Tel: (713) 520-1462
  Fax: (713) 521-3064
• Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, CA
  Address: 443 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90020
  Tel: (213) 807-8088
  Fax: (213) 807-8091
• Chinese Consulate General in New York, NY
  Address: 520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
  Tel: (212) 244-9392
  Fax: (212) 465-1708
• Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco, CA
  Address: 1450 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
  Tel: (415) 674-2900
  Fax: (415) 563-0494

How to register on the Costa Website - Many people are having problems registering on the Costa website and others who are successful are later locked out. The reason is Costa is currently updating their website and have changed the registration requirements.

Point One - You are NO LONGER required to register on the Costa Website. When we receive the photocopy of your passport we update Costa with your exact name and the Passenger Information form will now be sent to you with your cruise documents and you will turn it in when you check in for your cruise.

Point Two - The other reason most people have for registering on the Costa website is to view details about the shore excursions the cruise line plans to offer during the cruise. This information is now available on the Astronomy Vacations website. Go to the itinerary page - here you'll find a link to the shore excursions for all ports of call during the cruise.

For those wishing to register follow these instructions - It will take 24 to 48 hours after we receive your passport information before your account will become active. Once we have you set up, follow the instructions below to register. Note, Regardless of your nationality, you can only do this on the Costa US Web site.

Step by step instructions - Note: this procedure will NOT work if we have not received and processed your passport information.

1. Go to Costa's US web site at http://www.costacruise.com/B2C/USA/Default.htm
2. When the web page comes up find the tab marked "Already Booked" at the top of the page and select "Register" from the drop down menu
3. On the next page, look for the blue rectangle on the right hand side - click on the yellow word "Register"
4. A window will appear with a short registration form
5. Complete this form. Make sure that you use the exact spelling of your name as it appears in your passport. You will not be allowed to register if names do not match exactly.
6. Create your own alphanumeric password (must be at least 8 characters including at least 1 letter and 1 number) and then click on "Register".
7. After registering successfully, you will be logged in. Look for your name in the upper, right-hand corner of the page.
8. Look above your name and to the left and click on "MY COSTA."
9. You then enter your booking number (See the Costa Ref #: in the center of your invoice under cabin description) on the next page where it says "Personalize Your Cruise," in the lower right-hand area.
10. Scroll half-way down the next page and you will see your itinerary with a listing of the ports you will be visiting.
11. You then click on VIEW EXCURSIONS and place your order in the drop down box across from your chosen excursion.
12. After your first order only, a box pops up at the lower left hand corner of your screen for SHORE EXCURSIONS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Please click I ACCEPT and then click on the word CONFIRM in the lower right hand corner.
13. The next page summarizes your order and you click on CONFIRM again. This brings you back to the itinerary page where you can then move on to place another excursion order.
14. Excursion tickets will be delivered to your stateroom and billed to your onboard account.

What happens if the weather prospects look bad for the eclipse viewing site? - You hope for good weather but plan for bad. The good news is I've chartered the entire ship for the sole purpose of seeing this eclipse. So, within limits, I decide where to go. When we leave Kagoshima, Japan we can reach any point on the eclipse centerline from just off the coast of Shanghai to about 500 miles east of Iwo Jima. Should weather become a factor at our target site we will have over 1,500 miles of centerline to choose from. I'll be very surprised if we can't find some open sky in that range.

In addition to the mobility available to us, this cruise ship has extensive, state of the art, weather assets that provide up to the minute weather data. This includes instant access to weather satellites and onboard weather radar.

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How much deck space will there be during the eclipse? - Space should not be a problem for this cruise. I used this ship in 2006. Even though it was full there was ample space for all. The Costa Classica is particularly well suite for eclipses. She has an additional outside deck most ships do not have - a jogging track above the pool deck. This allows for more deck space for each person. Another element of this eclipse is that the total phase of the eclipse will be almost directly overhead. This means there will be no shadowed areas on deck, which can limit available deck space.

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How stable will this be ship for viewing an eclipse? - Some of the most incredible eclipse images were taken from cruise ships at sea. The best stability from a ship is obtained when under way on a constant heading and at a slow speed. Dead in the water even a large ship like this can "bob" around and worse turn off course. During the eclipse the ship will be underway at just over what is call "dead slow" or "minimum maneuvering speed". This will provide positive control and the most stable platform with the least amount of vibration. For this ship the best speed is between 3 and 5 knots.

While under way at normal cruise speeds and normal sea conditions you can expect a ship this large to have little or no apparent motion. The Costa Classica is equipped with hydraulic "fin" stabilizers similar to "dive planes" used on submarines - except, unlike a submarine, that they work in opposition to each other to control roll (leaning to one side or the other). The length of the ship is such that, in most sea conditions, she is long enough (722 feet) to ride the peaks of at least three waves. This dampens any pitch (up and down) motion

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Will there be eclipse and astronomy lectures? - A full series of lectures and enrichment activities are being developed for this cruise. There will two sessions (morning and afternoon)every At Sea day of the cruise. Three venues will be utilized; the main showroom for the largest events, the lecture center for more technical programs and the observatory lounge for hands on activities. Guests will be sent a questionnaire seeking input to assist with the development of these programs and some programs will include guest participation.

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Will the regular cruise amenities be included? - Yes, all of the usual cruise amenities will be included with this cruise. In fact a cruise is one of the best vacation values there is because of the numerous activity choices. Here is a great link to the Costa website onboard activities page that will give you a sense of what to expect. By the way, the enrichment and lecture series is in addition to not in place of the normal cruise activities.

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I'm going alone. Can you assist me finding another to share the cabin? - We do offer a single share program where we will attempt to find a compatible share mate to go along with you. We match by cabin preference, sex, smoking preference and age. You'll be given basic information and email contact details for any potential share mates so that you can make contact and get to know each other before you make a final commitment. While we usually do find a match we can't guarantee it an if we are unable to find a match you will be required to pay the single supplement.

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How can I be assured that the cruise is legitimate?

We received the following question: "In the past, there has been some problem with travel agents taking money for a cruise and failing to deliver the cruise. What assurance can you offer that I would pay for the entire price of the cruise 6 months in advance, arrive in Beijing and find that I am not booked on the ship?

First and foremost - If this has ever happened you should tell all that will listen! The world of eclipse travel is small and pretty much everyone knows everyone. If there is a problem out there, the word needs to get out!

Second - It depends on where you live. I'm a California travel agent and a registered seller of travel. My CST# is 2049910-40. As such, if I or the cruise line default and you are a California resident, you're reimbursed by the state. Details about this program are below. I do not know the particulars for other States but they are likely similar.

Third - Always pay with a credit card. If there is a problem, you simply dispute the charges and recover your money. And the fact that the travel supplier is able to take credit cards is good assurance in itself.

Fourth - Buy a good Travel and Cancellation insurance policy that covers the financial default of the travel agent or the cruise line. Most good policies do cover this and all of the programs we offer cover this. In fact most Travel Insurance providers rate the risk of various travel suppliers. You can get this info at their websites.

Fifth - Travel agents don't "take the money" - this is illegal. They must either pass it on to the vendor or hold it in trust. In the case of the 2009 cruise, the payment schedule for deposits and final payments are set to match the payment requirements for the charter contract. Within a few days of the final payment due date everyone's full cost will have been paid to the cruise line. You need to look to the credit worthiness of the cruise line too.

Sixth - Costa Cruise is owned by Carnival Cruises. Besides Carnival and Costa, their other cruise lines are Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Lines, Seabourn and Windstar. They're the largest cruise line group in the world.

Finally - I've been doing this for over 20 years - doing the same thing at the same place, which, by the way, is the area I grew up in. I've developed travel programs for Astronomy Magazine, Sky & Telescope and numerous observatories, planetariums and educational institutions. I've had articles about my travel programs published in both Astronomy and Sky & Tel. I've done over 20 total eclipse programs and have never had a single client loose money. I've been processing credit cards for years and never had a single charge back or disputed charge. There was one situation where my clients were denied boarding. During the 1998 total eclipse program in the Caribbean we had about 35 people ticketed on Pam Am airlines. Pam Am got all of them to their cruise in the usual fashion. However, during their cruises Pam Am went out of business. We arranged alternative return flights for everyone, got everyone home with minimal delays.

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Notice to California Clients

Or by faxing a request to (415) 924-7698

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