[Nfbf-l] Questions about passports and other issues
cheryl echevarria
cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
Mon Oct 22 17:51:36 UTC 2012
Now some of you may not know me, that is fine, and question my answers here, which is okay.
So let me let you know who I am, and I think Bill is also part of the Travel & Tourism Division of the NFB, to which I am the President of, I don't remember if Bill has rejoined in Dallas, but he is in the business as well.
I have owned and operated Echevarria Travel since 2009.
Prior to that, I am also a graduate in 1989 with Hospitality Associates Degree. I did my internship in Walt Disney World in 1988.
After that I got married and didn't pursue my endeavors since family came first.
I worked in position as Administrative positions in the Sales industry in Health Care, and also Electronics prior to losing my vision from diabetes and kidney failure in 2001, which you can read my story in the April 2012 Edition of the Braille Monitor.
I was the one and still am the one that has been working hard in getting cruise lines such as Norwegian who in the past the NFB went after back in late 1999-2000, they have implemented braille menus, on there newer ships, have braille elevators with voice in them. Working on getting there older ship into dry dock so that the older ones can be upgraded.
Work in progress.
I was asked back in 2011 when former President of the Travel & Tourism Don Gilmore, who was stepping down and I was asked to run the division because of all the advocacy issues I have been fighting not only for us the blind and but for all disabled travelers.
Recently at the Dallas Convention I was voted in for my official 1st term as the President, and we have been working with such places as Walt Disney, we have had Mark Jones the Access Department Manager of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California on our conference calls, and hope to have him at the National Convention in Florida this year.
As well as Special Needs at Sea, who does all the scooter/wheelchair/oxygen rentals, as well as they are the ones that do the relief areas on the cruise ships, etc.
During the October National Disability awareness month which is still going on, I was awarded 2 awards one by Long Island Access and one by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Entrepreneur 2012.
I am also the Treasurer of the Greater Long Island Chapter since 2007, member of NAGDU and NYAGDU since 2007, The Diabetic Action Network since 2006.
So I do hope, that even though Bill is also a travel professional. I am as well and a member of the NFB.
That is why I was asked to do this.
If I am posting anything is because I know it.
Have a great day, and look forward to working with you all.
Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
SNG Certified - Accessible Travel Advocate!
Cheryl Echevarria, Ownerhttp://www.echevarriatravel.com631-456-5394reservations@echevarriatravel.comhttp://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
2012 Norwegian Cruise Line University Advisory Board Member.
Please vote for Echevarria Travel for Best Travel Agency of Long Island 2013, I have made it to the top 10. You do not have to live on Long Island to vote, you can vote every day until December 12, 2012. Just lick the link and go to vote and search Travel Agent/Agency.Here is the link: http://vote.longislandpress.com/engine/YourSubmission.aspx?contestid=71122
> From: williamkociaba at comcast.net
> To: nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
> Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:58:58 -0400
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] February 7, 2014 Florida State Convention on the Norwegian SKY
>
> Not a problem Tom. Glad tohelp in any way I can
>
> Bill Kociaba
> CRUISEONE
> Bill at Ycruise.com
> 954 227 7772 or Toll Free 877 227 7775
> 7600 Wiles Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33067
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tom Bellone" <tom.bellone01 at yahoo.com>
> To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 12:22 PM
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] February 7,2014 Florida State Convention on the
> Norwegian SKY
>
>
> > Bill thanks for the clarification. You know more about this stuff than I
> > do. I've got a valid passport so I'm good to go.
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > On Oct 22, 2012, at 10:50 AM, "Bill Kociaba" <williamkociaba at comcast.net>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> Tom,
> >> I never used the word adults. If a passport is required it is required
> >> for every passenger as is a photo ID and birth Cert. Age is not an issue.
> >> Because the cruise departs and returns to the same US port it does not
> >> require a passport. When I said I checked multiple sources I meant the
> >> passport office amongst others.
> >> I have no price info because as I said I am not involved in selling this
> >> trip.
> >>
> >> Bill Kociaba
> >> CRUISEONE
> >> Bill at Ycruise.com
> >> 954 227 7772 or Toll Free 877 227 7775
> >> 7600 Wiles Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33067
> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Bellone"
> >> <tom.bellone01 at yahoo.com>
> >> To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> >> Cc: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> >> Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 10:01 AM
> >> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] February 7,2014 Florida State Convention on the
> >> Norwegian SKY
> >>
> >>
> >>> Bill you keep saying that a passport is not required for adults going on
> >>> a cruise of this type. What type of cruise is this that waives that
> >>> requirement? Has anyone checked with the appropriate US government
> >>> agency to confirm the passport requirements or lack thereof?
> >>> I have a valid passport so this whole issue doesn't affect me at all.
> >>> Does anyone have cost estimates for the cruise? How soon can we make
> >>> reservations? What port does this sail from? I've got many more
> >>> questions.
> >>> Tom
> >>>
> >>> Sent from my iPhone
> >>>
> >>> On Oct 22, 2012, at 9:35 AM, "Bill Kociaba" <williamkociaba at comcast.net>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> Hi once again Tom, Holly and Carlos,
> >>>> First Carlos, the cost of a cruise, since its all inclusive will likely
> >>>> be lower than a hotel room and purchasing meals.
> >>>> Tom, that particular sailing goes to NCL's private island and Nassau.
> >>>> A passport is not currently required for a caribbean cruise of this
> >>>> type. I have checked with multiple sources just to be sure and it was
> >>>> confirmed that eventually a passport will be required but at this point
> >>>> a govt. issued photo ID and origenal birth certifacate is all that is
> >>>> required. When I asked when the change would take place no one had an
> >>>> answer so that makes it pretty clear that its not any time in the near
> >>>> future. A passport is the best form of ID and if you are going to
> >>>> travel much I strongly suggest you get one. Age is not an issue. ID in
> >>>> some form is required for everyone now.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Please understand that I am not involved in this event(and have no
> >>>> financial interest in what takes place) but since I am also in the
> >>>> cruise industry and a member of this list I will do my best to answer
> >>>> any questions that I can.
> >>>> Bill Kociaba
> >>>> CRUISEONE
> >>>> Bill at Ycruise.com
> >>>> 954 227 7772 or Toll Free 877 227 7775
> >>>> 7600 Wiles Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33067
> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carlos Montas"
> >>>> <carlos.montas at gmail.com>
> >>>> To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> Cc: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 8:56 AM
> >>>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] February 7,2014 Florida State Convention on the
> >>>> Norwegian SKY
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>> Good morning to all, as a former member of the nfbf board I remember
> >>>>> that the board was to explore moving the convention dates around
> >>>>> starting in 2014. I thought that the board was going to then submit a
> >>>>> report and then allow the membership to vote on changing the
> >>>>> convention dates,and then vote on where it would be held. The cruse
> >>>>> was just one of the options that was being discussed. Again I am
> >>>>> going to ask the question that Tom posed. Another issue is the
> >>>>> vendors and weather they are going to be willing to attend our
> >>>>> convention. Another issue is that although other States will be
> >>>>> involved in planning for National will Florida members be willing to
> >>>>> forgo National to attend are State convention on a cruse ship? Another
> >>>>> issue is how is this move going to impact members who can not afford
> >>>>> to go on a cruse? I strongly believe that this is not a good
> >>>>> alternative and I disagree with how our leadership has gone about
> >>>>> exploring this issue. Just because most chapter Presidents may have
> >>>>> supported the idea, it does not constitute an endorcement by the
> >>>>> membership.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Sent from my iPhone
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On Oct 21, 2012, at 8:37 PM, "Bill Kociaba"
> >>>>> <williamkociaba at comcast.net> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> Tom,
> >>>>>> A cruise will be a great way to do the convention. Economicly
> >>>>>> speaking it is a much better deal than having to pay for a hotel and
> >>>>>> meals etc. Also I am sure there will be adaquate time to enjoy the
> >>>>>> ship and all it offers. Remember the entertainment shipboard will be
> >>>>>> mostly in the evening and I would not think meeting and convention
> >>>>>> events would take place while in port.
> >>>>>> Actually I am in the cruise business and have been involved in other
> >>>>>> shipboard group events and they are usually a big hit.
> >>>>>> Bill
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
> >>>>>> From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom
> >>>>>> Bellone
> >>>>>> Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 8:24 PM
> >>>>>> To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
> >>>>>> Cc: nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
> >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] February 7, 2014 Florida State Convention on
> >>>>>> the Norwegian SKY
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> How did this happen? I was under the impression that at our
> >>>>>> convention earlier this year the membership granted permission to the
> >>>>>> board to seek alternate times and venues for the state convention
> >>>>>> subject to approval by the membership. Guess I wasn't paying
> >>>>>> attention. I'd love to go on a cruise, I'm not sure I want to spend
> >>>>>> my time on a cruise attending all the meetings that go along with
> >>>>>> trying to have a convention at the expense of enjoying the cruise and
> >>>>>> ports of call.
> >>>>>> Tom
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> On Oct 21, 2012, at 8:02 PM, REPCODDS at aol.com wrote:
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Yes the 2014 State Convention is as stated on the Norwegian SKY.
> >>>>>>> DS
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> In a message dated 10/21/2012 3:32:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> >>>>>>> tom.bellone01 at yahoo.com writes:
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Is this date and venue for sure?
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> On Oct 21, 2012, at 1:00 PM, REPCODDS at aol.com wrote:
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>> Play time on the Norwegian Sky!
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Atrium
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29772)
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>> Atrium
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>> _Photos & Highlights_
> >>>>>>>> (http://www2.ncl.com/mwmodal/publicroom/29772)
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>> It's located in the middle of the ship, where you'll find the Main
> >>>>>>>> Reception and the Shore Excursion desk.
> >>>>>>>> Accommodates: 47
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Basketball/Volleyball Court
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29764)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Body Waves Fitness Center
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29762)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Galleria Shops
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29761)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Golf Driving Net (2)
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29763)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Hawaii Meeting Rooms
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29757)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Hot Tubs (5)
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29770)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Internet Café
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29765)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Jogging/Walking Track
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29768)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Kid's Korner
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29758)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Mandara Spa
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29766)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Mark Twain Library
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29760)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Sky Club Casino
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29755)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Splashes Children's Pool
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29767)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Stardust Lounge
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29769)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Swimming Pools (2)
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29771)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> The Zone
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29759)
> >>>>>>>> _
> >>>>>>>> Video Arcade
> >>>>>>>> _ (http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/onboard/_29756)
> >>>>>>>>
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