COMINGANDGOING

Sunday, January 22, 2006

CRUISE NEWS
Cruise Interrupted

On Day 2 of a planned seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Genoa, Italy, Jim and Okyul Harris of Vienna got nightmarish news: Because his wife's American passport had a stamp showing she'd visited Israel , she would be kicked off the Costa Cruise ship before a scheduled stop in Tripoli, Libya .

Most Islamic Middle Eastern nations ban travelers whose passports bear Israeli stamps, with the notable exceptions of Egypt and Jordan. But Costa had warned only that such passengers would not be allowed ashore during a brief stop.

But the third day out, the couple was dropped in Malta and left to figure their own way home -- a job that took three days and cost well over $2,000.

Later, un able to find a Costa complaint center , Harris sent a complaint to Carnival, Costa's sister line, with no apparent result. After several days of calling, CoGo finally tracked down the right person, and wheels turned quickly.

Saying in an e-mail to CoGo that Costa is committed to service "above and beyond," Costa North America President Lynn Torrent said the line had launched a "full investigation" into the "unfortunate incident." The root of the problem, she added, is that Libya "continually revises its travel policies regarding Americans."

Meanwhile, said spokesman Robert Cadogan, a refund of the full cruise fare and onboard charges was being immediately credited to the Harris's credit card, and they will be reimbursed their airfare from Malta, as well as hotel and meal expenses .

Torrent added that the line is changing its Web site's customer contact page so that "guests may more readily reach us."

Israel does not reciprocate in this policy, according to a spokesman at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, so you can visit there even if your passport shows you've been elsewhere in the Middle East.

UPRIGHT AND LOCKED
Lilly, Don't Sit!

Tim Tignor of Reston made air reservations to Fort Myers, Fla., for his family, including the dog, 10 months in advance of the trip last month.

Days before leaving, he called US Airways to ask if he needed a health certificate for the animal. He was told no, and no further info was volunteered. But at the airport, Tignor was told that US Airways no longer allows dogs in cargo , except on nonstop shuttle flights. No way 40-pound Lilly would fit under a seat. The airline offered to try to "accommodate" the family some way, but given the crush of holiday travelers, Tignor figured a delay could strand them. A friend rushed to the airport to retrieve Lilly.

Turns out US Airways had announced a doggie rule change in August , effective Oct. 1. "My gripe is that nobody ever apologized," Tignor said. "If they change the rules, they should contact me."

Airline spokesman Phil Gee said the airline attempted to contact affected passengers and is sorry that the Tignors fell through the cracks.

US Airways changed its pet policy, Gee said, to put it in line with those of competing discount carriers. Given the lockstep nature of airlines these days, CoGo suggests checking airline Web sites for updates on pet transit rules before heading to the airport.

TRAVEL TICKER

Expedia.com is adding a new lowest-price guarantee : Find a lower price within 24 hours and get the difference plus $50. A site upgrade also offers trip guidance once you buy, including weather forecasts and directions . . . Bonaire has been rated the top dive destination in the Caribbean for the fourth year in a row by Scuba Diving magazine.

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK
Training in France

Train around France for up to 78 percent off the full fare. Details: What's the Deal?, Page P3.

Reporting: Cindy Loose.

Help feed CoGo. Send travel news, road reports and juicy tattles to: cogo@washpost.com. By fax: 202-912-3609. By mail: CoGo, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

Training in France

Train around France for up to 78 percent off the full fare. Details: What's the Deal?, Page P3.

Reporting: Cindy Loose.

Help feed CoGo. Send travel news, road reports and juicy tattles to: cogo@washpost.com. By fax: 202-912-3609. By mail: CoGo, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.