When cruising resumed in Europe last year, cruise lines restricted guests from going ashore unless they were on an excursion booked through the cruise line. At least one major cruise line will resume cruising in North America without this requirement... read more
Recent updates from the CDC now acknowledge vaccines as an important tool in the quest for safe cruising, and allow a new way lines may be issued Conditional Sailing Certificates and resume cruising from the US... read more
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
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
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
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
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
The CDC has taken the next step in moving forward with the safe return of cruising from the US, but for some, it’s not a big enough step... read more
After pressure from politicians and the public came to a head over the past week, finally there are signs of potential progress on the return of cruising to from the US. Following a call on Thursday with CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky and other officials, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava seemed optimistic. "We were very encouraged by our call today with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Division Director Dr. Martin Cetron and the CDC team to discuss the safe return of cruising in the US." read more
Soon you’ll be able to again cruise the Caribbean. After a year without cruising in the region, lines have coordinated with several island nations and gained permission to set sail from ports outside of the US as early as June 5th. Proof of vaccination will be required for guests to sail and the cruises will feature enhanced safety measures, so we’ll review which lines will be operating, answer some common questions, and make sure you’re ready to cruise... read more
