United States Sails in ’88

Question: When will the ship United States go back into service and where will it sail?

Answer: The ship is still at Norfolk awaiting modification and probably will start West Coast-Hawaii cruises in early 1988.

Q: What’s the status of the computerized passports to replace those now in use?

A: Passports containing a laminated page for computer reading are being issued at nine of 15 regional passport offices but are used only experimentally at Los Angeles and Dulles airports. Eventually all points of entry will be able to handle them.

Q: Where and when are the next Pan-American games and how do you get tickets?

A: This quadrennial event will be in Indianapolis next Aug. 7-23. For ticket information contact PAX/1 4477, Allisonville, Ind. 46287; (317) 238-1987.

Q: Is a special Blue Cross travel policy available?

A: The Blue Cross “Access America” policy covers health, accident, trip cancellation, baggage, medical assistance and bail. Available through banks, travel agents, auto clubs and carriers. Information: (800) 851-2800.

Q: I’m going to Western Europe and I intend to buy some men’s suits and shirts. Is there a difference in sizes between the U.S. and European makes?

A: Sizes are generally higher by 10 in Europe. For instance, our size 44 would be about 54.

Q: Is there a regulation against taking pets to Mexico?

A: Dogs, cats and canaries are allowed but a pet visa is required. Any Mexican consulate will issue such visas for a $9.90 fee when you show a pet health and vaccination certificate.

Q: As a French-language major I intend to spend a month in France next summer. Is it possible to live and study at a boarding school while the students are on vacation?

A: The Franco-American Committee for Educational Travel and Studies operates tours combining study and travel through France and to various European capitals. Accommodations range from home stays to tourist-class hotels. For information contact FACETS Inc., 989 Avenue of the Americas, New York 10018.

Q: I seem to be jinxed. Every time I go on vacation I come down with some kind of ailment or accident. What kind of medical facilities are available aboard ships?

A: Except on passenger-carrying freighters, international law requires all passenger ships to carry a doctor. Size of medical facilities depends on the size of the ship, but many have full operating rooms and a few also have a dentist.

Q: Are there any historic ship museums similar to Connecticut’s Mystic that I might visit during a trip along the Atlantic coast?

A: In addition to New York’s South Street Seaport, the Mariner’s Museum at Newport News, Va., has an extensive collection of ship models, instruments, pictures and other items. There’s also a daily harbor cruise through Hampton Roads and the James River and other points of historic interest. Also worthwhile is Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum at Savannah, Ga., with one of the world’s outstanding collections of models of famous vessels spanning 2,000 years of seafaring.

Q: I don’t swim or snorkel. Is there any other way to enjoy some of the underwater life and vegetation?

A: Many Caribbean islands offer glass-bottom boat tours to the reefs to see what lies below. Additionally, some have aquariums. There’s also the ocean floor Underwater Observation Tower at St. Thomas.

Q: We know that Japan is expensive for American travelers. Have you any suggestions for cutting costs?

A: The Japan National Tourist Organization booklet “Budget Travel in Japan” offers dollar-saving tips on places to stay, transportation, meals and sightseeing. It suggests that you patronize cafeteria-style restaurants where food replicas are displayed on glass shelves with the prices marked. Dairy Queen, McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken also are operated there. Contact the tourist office at 624 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2640, Los Angeles 90017; (213) 623-1952.

Questions are welcome but cannot be answered personally or by telephone. For a list of travel publications available free from government sources, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Eric Friedheim, Travel Agent magazine, 2 West 46th St., New York 10036.