Image by Citking, February 2009

Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas is the latest cruise ship to suffer a mishap at sea, on 28 May.  The fire spread over several decks in the stern area (shown in the accompanying picture, long before the fire).

There are no reports of injuries and full control of the vessel was maintain at all times, with no loss of power or essential services.

All guests will be refunded in full.

The Grandeur of the Seas was recently refurbished at a cost of $48 million and had only re-entered service on 3 May 2013.  With a fire happening so soon after her return to work there will surely be some suspicion that there may have been a problem left behind by the shipyard.

The ship was again based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, having previously operated from there from 2004 to 2009.

Passengers from the ship will be flown back from the Bahamas to Baltimore.

Image credit: Brandrodungswanderfeldhackbau [shifting cultivation] October 2007

The batteries are now contained in a fireproof steel box with a chimney that vents outside the aircraft.  That’s what you get for an extra 200,000 hours of engineers’ time.

The actual root cause of the problems previously experienced “may never be determined” but some 80 battery-related technical features have been upgraded.

Why try a new battery design

The Lithium-ion batteries on the 787 are characterised by being able to provide a large amount of electrical power in a short period of time.  They are about the size of a car battery and are much lighter than older types of battery.

By way of comparison, the 787’s batteries provide up to 150A of current and weigh 29kg (excluding the new modifications), whereas the older battery design used on the Boeing 777 weighs 49kg and provides just 16A of current.

What are the batteries used for?

There are two identical lithium batteries carried on the Dreamliner.  The one in the middle of the craft is used to start a small turbine at the tail of the aircraft, the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).  And it powers the navigation lights.  The APU, in turn, provides the power (1100 shaft horsepower) needed to start the main engines.

The battery in the forward electrical bay, under the main cabin floor,  powers certain accessories when the aircraft is on the ground, and powers various electrical systems prior to the APU starting up.

All craft being modified

Ten teams of engineers, averaging 30 per team, are converting the 50 Dreamliners already delivered so they can be returned to service.  The modifications are scheduled to be completed mid-May.  The first commercial flights have resumed without incident.

The modifications are also being applied to aircraft that have been built but not delivered.  All deliveries scheduled for 2013 are expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

No problems have been experienced with craft that have been modified and returned to service.

Singapore publishes lists of the drugs that are banned or restricted, which provides the assurance that you can at least check to see if you are okay, well before you leave home.

All medicines containing any one of a number of ingredients require specific authorisation from the Singapore authorities before you can safety take them with you.  But if you have obtained the authorisation, and have the necessary documentation with you, then you will not experience any problem with the authorities.

Judicial system

The rules of the Singaporean judicial system are such that you basically want to avoid even being regarded as a suspect.  The law constrains judges to apply sentences harshly and there are very few extenuating circumstances permitted.  Attempts by foreign governments to apply pressure for a lighter sentence are frequently seen as interference.  Recent changes to the sentencing laws in 2013 give the judges some leeway in commuting mandatory death sentences to life imprisonment if they find that there are special circumstances.

Recreational drugs

The Misuse of Drugs Act (1972) creates a presumption of trafficking based on specific quantities of drugs found in your possession.  So in a legal sense, “trafficking” does not need to be proved, merely possession.

You may be searched or required to provide a urine sample for analysis, by any police officer without a warrant on “reasonable suspicion” that you may have a controlled drug or other contraband.  Any premises may likewise be searched without a warrant on “reasonable suspicion”.

If a urine sample tests positive, you will be charged with drug possession, even if you consumed the drugs prior to entering Singapore.  If you use recreational drugs, you should stop sufficiently far ahead of your trip to Singapore that you are “clean” on arrival.

Mandatory death penalties

Mandatory death penalties are applicable for amounts exceeding the following:

• cannabis mixture: 500 grams
• cannabis resin: 100 grams
• cannabis: 500 grams
• cocaine: 30 grams
• hashish: 200 grams
• heroin: 15 grams
• methamphetamine: 250 grams
• morphine: 30 grams
• opium: 1,200 grams

It has been estimated that 70% of the death sentences carried out in Singapore are for drug offences.  For lesser amounts the penalty may be life imprisonment.  For really tiny amounts you may be sentenced to judicial beating.

Official list of restricted medicines

It can take quite a bit of searching to locate the official list of medicines restricted in Singapore.    We provide a summary list below.  At the time the article was written the authoritative link was at http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/home.html   There you should scroll down and click on the menu item on the right that says “Bringing Personal Medications Into Singapore”.

Authorisation is required for medicines

If your medication contains ANY of the substances in the “Appendix A” list (copied below) then you should complete a form available on their web site and apply for authorisation to take it into the country.  This must be submitted no less than ten days before entry.

Once you have completed the form the official procedure is:

Email the form to: hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg   or

• Fax to: (65) 64789068; or
• Mail to:
  Audit and Licensing Division
  Health Products Regulation Group
  Health Sciences Authority
  150 Cantonment Road, Cantonment Centre
  Blk A, #01-02, Singapore 089762

The following documents and information are required to be submitted with your application:

1. Names and dosages of the medicines (both trade/brand names and names of active ingredients contained in the products)
2. Total quantity of each type of medicines that will be brought into Singapore
3. Your doctor’s letter or medical prescription verifying for the need of the medicines
4. Your flight details and intended length of stay in Singapore (applicable for visiting tourists)
5. Your passport or identity particulars and contact details (address, fax number and/or email)

No more than three month’s supply of ANY medication (even if you have applied for authorisation) may accompany you.  For prescription medicines not on the list  you are required to have a letter from your doctor and a copy of the medical prescription with you as proof that the medicines are for your personal use.

Singapore Health Products Regulation : “Appendix A”

The Singapore Government’s Health Services Authority maintains a list of scheduled substances on their web site.  This is their “Appendix A” of Controlled Substances subject to Import/Export controls.

The list below was retrieved from their site on 6 April 2013, at which time it had last been updated on 2 April 2013.  We do not regularly maintain this list, which is here to give you a general overview of the medicines that are restricted or forbidden in Singapore.  You should check with their web site for updates.

The following substances and products or any stereoisomeric form, ester or ether, and salts of a substance specified below,

n-(1-methyl-4-piperidyl)-N-phenyl formanide, 1-Hydroxy-3-pentyl-6a, 7, 10, 10a-tetra hydro-6, 6, 9-trimethyl-6-H-dibenzo [b, d] pyran, 2-Methyl-3-morpholino-1, 1-diphenylpropanecarboxylic acid, 1-Methyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4,alpha-dimethyl-phenethylamine, 2,5-Dimethoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, 2-amino-1-(2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methyl) phenylpropane, 3-(1,2-Dimethylheptyl)-1-hydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenzo [b,d] pyran-1-ol, 3,4,5-Trimethoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, 3-Methoxy-alpha-methyl-4,5-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, 3-Methyl fentanyl, 3-Methylthiofentanyl, 4-Bromo-2,5-alpha-methylphenethylamine (also known as Brolamfetamine), 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, 4-Cyano-1-methyl-4-phenyl-piperidine, 4-Cyano-2-dimethylamino-4, 4-diphenylbutane, 4-Ethyl-2,5-dimethoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, 4-Methylaminorex, 4-Methylthioamphetamine, 4-Phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine,

Acetorphine, Acetyldihydrocodeine, Acetylmethadol, Alfentanil, Allobarbital, Allylprodine, Alphacetylmethadol, Alphameprodine, Alphamethadol,Alpha-Methyl fentanyl Acetanilide, Alpha-Methyl fentanyl, Alpha-Methylthiofentanyl, Alphaprodine, Alprazolam, Alpha-Methyl-3,4(methylenedioxy) phenethylamine (also known as Tenamfetamine), Amfepramone, Aminorex, Amobarbital, Amphetamine, Anileridine.

Barbital, Benzethidine, Benzphetamine, Benzyl fentanyl, Benzylmorphine(3-benzyl-morphine), Betacetylmethadol, Beta-hydroxyfentanyl, Beta-hydroxy-3-methyl fentanyl, Betameprodine, Betamethadol, Betaprodine, Bezitramide, Bromazepam, Brotizolam, Bufotenine, Buprenorphine, Butalbital, Butobarbital.

Camazepam, Cannabinol derivatives, Cannabinol, Cannabis and cannabis resin, Carfentanil, Cathine, Cathinone, Chlordiazepoxide, Chlorphentermine, Clobazam, Clonazepam, Clonitazene, Clorazepate, Clotiazepam, Cloxazolam, Coca leaf, Cocaine, Codeine, Codoxime, Cyclobarbital.

Delorazepam, Desomorphine, Dexamphetamine, Dextromoramide, Dextropropoxyphene, Diamorphine,(Heroin) Diampromide, Diazepam, Diethylthiambutene, Difenoxin, Dihydrocodeine, Dihydroetorphine, Dihydromorphine, Dimenoxadole, Dimepheptanol, Dimethylthiambutene, Dioxaphetyl butyrate, Diphenoxylate, Dipipanone, Drotebanol.

Ecgonine, and any derivative of ecgonine which is convertible to ecgonine or to cocaine, Estazolam, Ethchlorvynol, Ethinamate, Ethylloflazepate, Ethylmethylthiambutene, Ethylmorphine (3-ethylmorphine), Eticyclidine, Etilamfetamine, Etonitazene, Etorphine, Etoxeridine, Etryptamine.

Fencamfamin, Fenetylline, Fenproporex, Fentanyl Fludiazepam, Flunitrazepam, Flurazepam, Furethidine, Gamma hydroxybutyric acid, Glutethimide, Halazepam, Haloxazolam, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphinol, Hydromorphone, Hydroxypethidine, Isomethadone, Ketamine, Ketazolam, Ketobemidone.

Lefetamine, Levomethorphan, Levomoramide, Levophenacylmorphan, Levorphanol, Lofentanil, Loprazolam, Lorazepam, Lormetazepam, Lysergamide, Lysergide and other N-alkyl derivatives of lysergamide, Mazindol, Mecloqualone, Medazepam, Mefenorex, Mephentermine, Meprobamate Mescaline, Mesocarb Metazocine, Methadone, Methadyl acetate, Methcathinone, Methamphetamine (also known as Methylamphetamine), Methaqualone, Methyldesorphine, Methyldihydromorphine (6-methyldihydromorphine), Methylphenidate, Methylphenobarbital, Methyprylon, Metopon, Midazolam Monoacetylmorphine Morpheridine, Morphine methobromide, other pentavalent nitrogen morphine derivatives Morphine N-oxide, Myrophine.

n,alpha-dimethyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, n,N-Diethyltryptamine, n,N-Dimethyltryptamine, n,[alpha-methyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy) phenethyl] hydroxylamine, n-ethyl-alpha-methyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, Nicocodine, Nicodicodine, Nicomorphine (3, 6-dinicotinoyl-morphine), Nimetazepam, Nitrazepam, n-methyl-alpha-ethyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, Noracymethadol, Norbuprenorphine, Norcodeine, Nordazepam, Norketamine and its dehydro derivatives, Norlevorphanol, Normethadone, Normorphine, Norpipanone.

Opium, Oxazepam, Oxazolam, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, para-fluorofentanyl, Parahexyl (3-hexyl-1-hydroxy-7, 8, 9, 10-tetrahydro-6, 6, 9-trimethyl 6h-dibenzo [b, d] pyran), Pemoline, Pentazocine, Pentobarbital, Pethidine, Phenadoxone, Phenampromide, Phenazocine, Phencyclidine, Phendimetrazine, Phenmetrazine, Phenobarbital, Phenomorphan, Phenoperidine, Phentermine, Pholcodine, Piminodine, Pinazepam Pipradrol, Piritramide, Poppy-straw and concentrate of poppy-straw, p-methoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, Prazepam, Proheptazine, Properidine (1-methyl-4-phenyl-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester), Propiram, Psilocin, Psilocybine, Pyrovalerone.

Racemethorphan, Racemoramide, Racemorphan, Remifentanil, Rolicyclidine, Secbutabarbital, Secobarbital, Sildenafil, Sufentanil, Tadalafil, Temazepam, Tenocyclidine, Tetrazepam, Thebacon, Thebaine, Thiofentanyl, Tilidine, Triazolam, Trimeperidine, Vardenafil, Vinylbital, Zipeprol, Zolpidem.

While every effort has been made to verify the contents of this list, we advise travellers to check their medication with the Singapore consulate before travel and to apply for prior permission.

Web site bug

On the Singapore Health Sciences Authority web site there is a Frequently asked questions section.  You can only access that using Internet Explorer.  More modern browsers fail with a Javascript error that says “POST requests are not permitted from foreign domains.”

Complementary medicines

Many complementary medicines contain no pharmacologically active ingredients and would consequently not run foul of regulations, other than perhaps on the import of alcohol.  However, those that contain Schedule 1 or Schedule 3 “Poisons” (according to the list available on the Health Services Authority web site) are subject to similar regulations to medicines. viz. doctor’s script (must be a registered medical doctor, not a shaman, beauty therapist or coach, etc.) , the documentation required, and a 3-month limit on supplies.

The Singapore Health Sciences Authority recommend on their web site that for further information you should contact: hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg  Alternatively, you may call Tel. (65) 6866 3522 or (65) 6866 3592 for assistance.

The new route is shorter and will save as much as $100m (US) per year in fuel costs.  Since the international arm of Qantas has been running at a loss, the savings are critically important.  Though, with a loss of $253m (US) reported in August 2012, the fuel savings alone will not be enough to bring them back into the black.  (An order for 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners was cancelled back in August in the name of cost-cutting, despite the promised fuel efficiency improvement of those aircraft.)

Singapore vs Dubai : Freedoms and human rights

Both countries have very specific views as to what is permissible and choose to regulate aspects of life that are unregulated in most Western countries.  The change in hub does not therefore represent a significant change for passengers stopping over during their journey:  No drugs, no medicines, no public display of affection, and keep your mouth shut.  But you can chew gum in Dubai, except on public transport where it will cost you a Dh 100 fine.

New alliance

The old alliance with British Airways has been abandoned in favour of a new deal with Emirates.  Emirates is owned by the government of Dubai and backed by the royal family, and is therefore in a position to offer “sweeteners” to Qantas. Qantas have also had to concede certain routes to Emirates: they will no longer fly to Frankfurt, for example.

As alliance partners, Qantas will align its sales, flight schedules and pricing with Emirates.  One gets the distinct impression that Qantas is the junior partner in the alliance as they appear to give away more than they gain.

No pork

For the stated reason of cultural sensitivity Qantas is abandoning its own social and culinary traditions by eliminating pork from all flights that fly to, from, or via Dubai.  (A similar arrangement is already in place for flights to Indonesia.)  No alcohol will be used in food preparation.

Qantas continue to serve alcohol on board, as indeed does Emirates.  (Precious few airlines, even those that pointedly serve only 100% halal food, are completely “dry”.)

While the Qantas food loaded at Dubai can be expected to be halal, food loaded at other places, while not containing pork, may not necessarily have been subjected to Islamic slaughter and passengers desiring halal meals should still specify this when booking.

Passengers flying between Europe and Australia who desire tasty bacon, eisbein, ribs or other delicious pork products should book with a different airline.

Others of the supposed ‘value adds’ are simply ruthless money-grabbing.  The major airlines are increasingly adopting the approach of the low-cost carriers by charging extra for things that have always been part of the ticket price.  British Airways have been one of the leaders in this dubious practice.

Here are the major cost-cutting and earnings-boosting tricks currently in use:

Paying for an extra seat because you are deemed too large by the airline.  There are two arguments for this, one being that it is the fat person’s fault for being fat and the other that it should be the same price for everyone to make it fair.  One could argue for example that a thinner person should get smaller seats that only fit skinnier folks in.  But that wouldn’t be popular either.  So, the answer from some airlines?  You have to pay for an extra seat if you are over a certain weight.

While some folks really do need two seats, they are in the minority.  The unfairness of charging passengers by weight is that heavy is the new norm, despite what people might think.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on their site that more than one third (35.7%) of US adults are obese.  It is widely acknowledged that the current generation is bigger than their lighter counterparts of thirty years ago.

It should be mentioned that the 35.7% percent of the US population represents huge buying power.  Everyone has a choice as to who they will book with, whatever their shape may be.  Heavy people will gravitate to those airlines that do not make a fuss about their weight.  Also, if people are being charged for being big then they will demand that in exchange for their extra money that the airlines provide a safe amount of legroom, and enough space to open their tray-table properly.

Paying to pre-seat.  When the low cost carriers came out, many of them did not offer pre-seating for all.  Seating was on a first-come, first-served basis.  Boarding a plane was chaotic.  Now some of the major airlines such as British Airways and KLM are exploiting this by also introducing charges for pre-seating on their lower fares.  They will happily sell you an emergency exit row and bulkhead seats, which have a bit more space.

Bear in mind that paying for an exit row seat guarantees nothing if the cabin crew arbitrarily deem you to be ‘unfit to operate the emergency exit door’.  You will then be summarily seated elsewhere.

Paying for checked-in baggage.  Back in the day your baggage was always included.  Now there are airlines that charge for each bag at check-in.  Only your hand luggage is included in the fare.  Be very careful to read the fine print on a ‘cheap’ fare.  It may work out to the same price as a regular airline that includes food, something to drink and standard baggage allowances.

One report pointed out that on one airline the extra bag charge is so high that you would be better off if you bought a ticket for a friend so he or she could carry your extra bag for you, rather than checking it in and paying the extra charges!

Paying for boarding pass printing.  Despite it having been declared illegal, if you fail to preprint your boarding pass on an A4 page and have it with you for your Ryanair flight, they will charge you.  The cost is more than you would pay to buy a low-end printer.

Worse yet – you have to check in online, and they charge for it.

Paying for online check-in.  This is normally included as who rightly expects to pay for having checked in online?  Well a certain rogue airline charges €7 or £7.

Our advice then is to look at the full price once everything has been included.  You may be surprised to see that it is often cheaper to fly with a full-service carrier between, say, Heathrow and Dublin than a so-called low-cost carrier where you have to add on checked baggage fees, online boarding passes, pre-seating, and paying for your onboard snack.

Image Credit: US Coast Guard, February 2013

The recent status of the Carnival Cruises fleet is that most vessels continue to operate while the safety review mandated by Congressional Committee continues.

However, the troubles on several vessels remain unresolved.

Experiencing problems

• Carnival Dream (generator problems, interruptions to power),
• Carnival Elation (steering: “the tug that is trailing the ship while it travels of the Mississippi is pure a precautionary measure”!),
• Carnival Legend (propulsion).

Out of service

Carnival Triumph is out of service (complete systems failure) until June, with 10 cruises cancelled.

Rebuild delayed

When it was launched in 1996 the Carnival Destiny was the largest cruise ship afloat.  Now she does not rank in the top 50.  The Destiny underwent refits in 2005 and 2010.

The Destiny name is now to be retired as the ship is undergoing a major renovation in Italy, with a budget of $155m.  When it returns to service it will be renamed as Carnival Sunshine.

The Carnival Sunshine rebuild has been delayed in order to install additional backup generators.  To date two of the cruises scheduled for its return have been cancelled in order to facilitate the upgrade.

Image credit: Nomad Tales, November 2008

In the last three months the number of foreign tourists to India from Western lands has plummeted by 25% overall, and 35% fewer women have visited.   This is according to a survey of 1200 tour operators in India conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.

This sharp decline has resulted from widespread international reporting of the horrific rape of an Indian woman, and further reports of savage attacks and sexual attacks on foreigners.

The research shows that the tourists have not stayed home, which is troubling to the travel industry there.  They have diverted to safer countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam.

The British Foreign Office recommends no travel at all to certain parts of India, and essential travel only to other parts of the country.  They also consider that there is a risk of terrorism through-out the country.

The tourists that have gone to India since the attacks have shunned the areas where the attacks took place.

Of course, not all of the tourists will have been chased away by the personal security risk: Some will be staying away because of the increased visa costs: the price of a visa for UK residents has recently gone up and is now £92.20.  For the US citizens it is now $76.00

ASSOCHAM Secretary General, Mr. D S Rawat, acknowledged the long-term impact of the attacks on inbound tourism.  He further noted that “security needs to be further strengthened at major tourist places and a programme to sensitize the importance of tourism and respect for tourist be continuously held across the country”.  [sic]

This will impact on the Indian government’s plans to boost tourism.  They have a plan to double the amount of foreign exchange that tourism earns, by 2016.  The dramatic loss of tourists has occurred during what is traditionally the peak season for visitors to the country.

The first expensive lesson learned by India is that tourists go where they feel safe and welcome.

Image credit: Shujenchang, 29 May 2012

Visas are probably without exception the most frustrating and vexing part of organising a trip.  Especially if you have a passport that isn’t granted the same level of trust as others. If you possess a British, US, Canadian or passport from an EU country, things will be a little easier for travelling generally.  However, there are some guidelines that apply to all when a visa is necessary.

Visa Guidelines

• Check to see if the Embassy has a website applicable for your country of residence.  This is very important because some embassies have different forms for different nationalities that are applying to visit.
• Phone the embassy directly for information relating to the visa requirements.  Visa companies are good, but there is no more reliable authority than the embassy of the country being visited.
• Provide all the paperwork required, if three month’s bank statements are requested to show proof of sufficient funds, they are not going to accept one month’s statement because you only just opened an account a month ago, for example.
• Photo specifications.  If you are visiting an EU country or the USA and need a visa, there are definite set specifications for the photo requirements, ensure that the place you are having your photos done is aware of these.  Just to be certain, take the spec sheet with you for this purpose.
• Always provide as much information as possible.  It is better for them to say, ‘we don’t need that’ as opposed to ‘come back when you have this’ which causes you time loss and frustration.
• Countries’ visa rules change regularly depending on diplomatic changes in relationships between countries and other factors, so if you planned a holiday a year ago and checked the visa regulations then, do a re-check that what was required is still required.  It could be that you may no longer require a visa to travel to your chosen destination or that rules have been made stricter.
• Finally, if the embassy states that no ticket should be bought until the visa is approved, it is best to stick to that.  In fact, if you are applying for a US visa for some countries the US actively prohibits you from doing so.  How?  Well, if the travel agent has not put your US visa information in the airline booking, the ticket will not issue.  This is not applicable to all countries.  For example, if you are from an EU country or hold a British passport, then you can obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online.

Visas can be more hassle-free if a methodical and practical approach is taken to acquiring the necessary documentation and doing it in time.  Emergency visas are often not entertained at all by some countries.  For others you will pay a premium, so check the processing times and bear that it in mind when setting your departure date.

These are some basic guidelines that are usually of assistance.

Passport Guidelines

Two important things to check in relation to your passport.

• The validity.  Is it valid for enough time from your return from holiday as stipulated by your government.  For example in some countries it needs to be valid six months beyond the date of return.  The country being visited will also have rules on this.
• Blank pages.  If you travel frequently, be sure to check that you have enough blank pages to satisfy your border control on departure, and immigration on arrival at your destination.  There should generally be two or three blank pages available, but this differs from one nation to another.

If you arrive at passport control at your destination then, unless it is a country that permits travellers from your country to purchase a visa on arrival, you are going to be sent back ignominiously to your country.