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Masks, Testing, Buffets, and More - The Skinny on Cruise COVID Restrictions

Author: Bill

Cruise Line COVID Restrictions With COVID rules constantly changing for cruise lines, it can be hard to know what restrictions apply to your next voyage.  When or if testing is required, whether you'll need to wear a mask on the ship, and how you can go ashore in ports of call can vary based on several factors - one of the largest being vaccines.  We're tracking some key factors and rules to gibe you an idea of what to expect... read more

Princess Cruises' Dine My Way – Highly Personalized & Flexible Dining

Author: Bill

Princess OceanMedallion Dine My Way Princess’ OceanMedallion program already gives guests ultra-fast WiFi at sea, the ability to access staterooms, make onboard purchases, book excursions, and more, right from a smartphone.  While cruising has been paused, Princess Cruises certainly hasn’t stopped moving forward.  As part of the MedallionClass experience available on all Princess ships, guests can now use a mobile device (or other means) to arrange dining for their entire cruise, and flexibility is the name of the game... read more

RIU Palace Peninsula in Cancun, MX - All-Inclusive - Review Videos

Author: Bill

RIU Palace Peninsula, Cancun, MX Recently, we spent four nights in Cancun, MX at the RIU Palace Peninsula Resort.  This all-inclusive resort was our first trip after being vaccinated, and was a great way for us to see what the all-inclusive experience is like, compare it to cruising, and dip our toes back into the travel waters.  In the video, we discuss ground transfers, COVID testing, food and drink options, beaches, our room, and more! read more

Time to Travel: Experience Travel With Us This Month, Virtually or in-Person!

Author: Bill

Upcoming travel After a long wait, it’s finally time for some of us to return to safe travel.  In the coming weeks we have several trips lined up and we’re looking forward to posting stories, photos, tips, and more.  Not only are we excited to get back to exploring and relaxing, but this will be an opportunity to see and understand some of the new rules and logistics traveling may now require.  We’ll be learning about special insurance policies, testing, mask policies, and more – but none of that will get in the way of having a great time and sharing the journey with you... read more

Holland America Line “Have It All” Packages – Details on HAL’s New More-Inclusive Offering

Author: Bill

Holland America Ship with Have It All Package Info Increasingly, guests appreciate knowing what their total vacation costs will be ahead of time, rather than separately accounting for cruise fare, drinks, dining, excursions, and more.  For guests on Holland America Line, the new “Have It All” package can provide clearer pricing while also offering substantial savings for many. read more

State of Florida Suing the Federal Government Over Cruise Industry Shutdown

Author: Bill

The past week has been a wild one for cruising in the US: The cruise industry pleaded with the CDC to stop it's months of radio-silence on it's Conditional Sailing Order. The CDC then finally provided technical instructions as a 'next step', but with no clear end in sight. Some cruise lines announced they'd sail the Caribbean without the US support. NCL proposed US fully-vaccinated sailings in July. The Florida governor said that private business can't require vaccines.  With all this, cruising from the US remains uncertain, while packed bars, flights, and hotels have gone with little or no regulation. Now, the State of Florida announced that it is suing the federal government over the shutdown of the cruise industry... read more

Hidden or Unexpected Fees on Cruise - What is NOT Included in Your Fare?

Author: Bill

Almost anyone who has cruised before will tout the value of cruising when compared to land vacations.  Most cruises include your meals, entertainment, transportation (to various ports of call), and your accommodations.  Nevertheless, cruises are a big expense, so it's important to know about any expenses that aren't immediately apparent.  While the industry tends to stay pretty transparent about the costs guests may incur, if you're looking at your first cruise, there may be some expenses which, while we'd not call them "hidden," may not be clear when shopping around. read more

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Informs CDC of Their Intent to Sail in July

Author: Bill

Just a day after the CDC finally provided updated guidance on the next steps to return to cruising, one of the three largest cruise companies has taken a bigger step.  In a letter to CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky, Frank Del Rio (CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) outlines the steps the COVID-19 safety measures the company’s three lines have taken, and explains how they plan to sail from the US starting in early July. read more