Murray On Travel

Construction on the new Branson Missouri airport began in July 2007, and to date, 11 million cubic yards of dirt have been moved in order to construct the terminal and runway. The Branson Airport's 7,140-foot runway, created by cutting the top off a mountain, is designed for midsized commercial type aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and 757, but can handle planes as large as the 767. This will enable the airport to receive non-stop air service from anywhere in the continental United States. The 4 gates will share a welcoming, spacious holding area.  Official Site.

The recent press release also states that the facility will offer all the amenities of a full-service airport, with one critical difference. The Branson Airport will be the first airport in the country to put customer service first, by providing "concierge-level" service to all departing and arriving travelers.

Although the services listed are not that far off to what a traditional airport offers, screening, baggage claim, curbside service, concessions, shops and restaurants; the big difference is the that the employees work for the airport, not the airlines. Some unique differences notes are the welcome center, concierge service and the ability to check in to one counter for all airline services. Rental cars will also be available at the airport.

Total project cost is $155 million (includes private equity and bonds) and not one tax dollar was used in the development. The airport will expand the scope of the project to meet additional demand in the future.  On the positive economic note, the community recognized $209 million in new revenues to the Branson Lakes regional economy, $77.5 million in payroll earnings and 3,299 jobs supported.

The Branson Airport is touting a better traveling experience where the employees are motivated to make the travelers experience better. As a profit-driven operation, Branson Airport has more incentive to treat its customers better.  According the Branson Airport web site, "The arrival and departure experience will be infused with warmth, hospitality and concierge-like customer service. For example, associates will be on site to help arriving passengers customize their Branson experience. Travelers returning rental cars never even touch their bags. They step out of their cars, a porter picks up their luggage, hands them their boarding pass and they walk directly into the terminal".

Designed to handle and process 700,000 deplaning passengers every year, the Branson Airport will significantly increase the number of new visitors from around the United States who will now be able to enjoy the wonderful Branson experience!

Cruise ship crime....are the Cruise Lines accountable to ensure safety on the high seas? Exactly who has jurisdiction over the criminal acts on board and cruise ship environmental law breakers? Is it the federal government, the ports of call local police, the flagship country or maybe the coast guard? Where does the accountability lie for the crime committed by the international crews? Is it the passengers? Who is going to be the first one on the spot to evaluate the crime seen, interview the witnesses or document the cruise ship pollution?

You and your family book your spring vacation; you've selected a cruise because in these hard economic times, it can be an affordable option for a family of four. You're getting into the mood, starting to relax and detoxify from blackberry and digital video recorder. Your teenagers are actually holding conversations with you and there you see it, the ship! You begin the embarkation process and soon, you and the family are on a floating city, with all the enmities of a fine hotel, water park and shopping center. You have arrived. The last thing on your mind is, "how safe is this cruise"?

I'm sure Ashley, 24, who died a day after she boarded a cruise ship headed to Ensenada in 2006, was not thinking about cruise ship safety. She probably let her guard down in a pseudo state of protection. And, perhaps that what happened to the daughter of the Mr. Carver who was last seen on a cruise that had boarded in Vancouver, maybe she got too comfortable in the artificial environment.

There are many stories of crimes on cruise ships from theft, rape, assaults, suspected homicides and people just disappearing. I know of an elderly woman who was lured into giving her life savings to the host of the main dining room to invest in his hotel in Bali on south pacific cruise. The stories can go on and on, so many that there is an organization, the International Cruise Victims Association, whose mission is to represent victims of crimes on cruise ships, their families and friends and individuals concerned about the problems of victimization and disappearances on cruise ships.

This organization advocates for legislation reform to protect passengers and crew from crimes. The most recent in California is a new bill introduced by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alton) which stipulates that a ranger must be on board for the duration of any cruise that calls at a California port. The bill goes to a hearing of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on April 14, 2009. The California legislator has authored several bills targeting cruise lines because he claims there is not cruise authority whose first priority is to protect the public and the environment.

The facts are that the FBI only has jurisdiction over cruise ships that are 12 miles or less from the U.S. shore and the Cruise Line Industry Association said all crimes involving U.S. citizens are reported to the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard. If the new legislation passes, you as a cruise ship passenger will be paying for the on board ranger in term of higher fares. Some tips for safety aboard cruise ships:

• Don't let your guard down on the ship--you are at risk for theft and crime Be responsible with the libations-you're not driving, so don't get too carried away.
• Be careful when you answer your cabin door-there is no peep hole. Keep an eye on your young people-there are plenty of opportunities for seemingly innocent situations to become dangerous Report all unusual behavior to a cruise line official-this is the best course of action to take.