Traveling has been put on pause in 2020. This year has been filled with fear, anxiety, and lot's of stress for most families. If you are like me, you've been cut off from friends, co-workers, favorite restaurants, churches, and much more. Perhaps you didn't realize how much you could miss those things.
Vacationing, when it is safe to do so again, will play a large part in the healing process. There is hope since the CDC has just published a framework that will allow cruising from America to resume. Europe has already been sailing. It may be possible to vacation soon, so let's dream together.
Tropical breezes are blowing, the surf is calling, but if you are like most Americans, you are feeling guilty about taking time off to relax with your family, even though you desperately need to. This year, those feelings might be more intense.Did you know that most Americans, earn on average 14 days of vacation compared to Britain (24 days), Spain (30 days) and France (36 days). Also, a recent study discovered that most Americans don’t even use their vacation time.
Another study discovered that women who took holidays were more satisfied with their marriages and less likely to become depressed, while a separate study showed that among men who were at high risk for coronary heart disease, those who took vacations had a lower death rate. So don’t feel guilty about taking a vacation; it’s healthy for you to do so.
While tropical breezes sound inviting, you are yearning for something different. If you are going to take time off, it has to be all about the experience.
While tropical breezes sound inviting, you are yearning for something different. If you are going to take time off, it has to be all about the experience.
Fast forward to departure time for your Norway adventure ...
You sleep on the plane ride over the pond, you are already feeling relaxed even before you get off the plane in Oslo. Your pre-cruise stay included bus transfers from the Oslo airport to the Bus Terminal which was down the block from your hotel. After a short walk you arrive at Clarion Royal Christiana Hotel. After checking in, you drop off your luggage and explore the neighborhood in search of a restaurant for dinner. You notice that the train station is just across the street, so it will be quite easy continuing your journey in the morning. You decide to head back to your room to relax and get some sleep.
The European rail system is a very reliable way to travel. The train arrived at the station on time and you made your way to car 7, stowed your suitcases, and found your reserved seats. You were off on a six hour journey through the Norwegian countryside.
Onboard the train you were able to communicate using free Wi-Fi. When you got hungry, you purchased sandwiches from the dining car. Winter in Norway brings lots of snow in the mountains. You got your first glimpses at the beautiful scenery you'd be experiencing throughout the rest of the adventure.
The train arrived in Bergen on time and you gathered your luggage and headed towards the station exit. There you were greeted by a representative from Hurtigruten who directed you to a shuttle bus for the short ride to the ship. Once at the pier, you dropped off your luggage, and checked in to get your cabin keys. Before you got onto the ship, there was a mandatory safety drill where they showed a safety movie and demonstrated how to put on the thermal protection suit and life jacket. This was the only compulsory activity of the voyage. The ship sails on time and you get ready for dinner and your first night at sea.
Let's fast forward to the morning of arrival in the first Norwegian port, Alesund. You step onto
Several days have passed, you've seen amazing sights, gone dog-sledding and crossed the Arctic Circle. There's still one highlight that you can't wait for. You go to dinner and share stories about your adventures with your table mates and then head to the lounge for some coffee and entertainment. The loud speaker cuts in with an announcement ... Northern Lights have been spotted. Everyone races outside to watch the lights dancing in the night's sky. The lights fill the night sky and you can't believe the amazing sight unfolding before your eyes.
This Concludes the 2020 National Plan a Cruise Month Mini-Series
We hope that this series of articles has answered some of your questions about cruising, for those that have never experienced it before, and sparked your desires to continue your life's adventures at sea.
Continue to follow our blog as the story has just begun. We will continue bringing you our personal experiences and industry updates. If this Norway getaway sounds interesting, check out my mini-series, Diary Hurtigruten Classic Voyage Bergen, which details our 12 night roundtrip from Bergen.
When you decide to travel again, please reach out to your Travel Professional. Like your favorite local restaurant, their doors have been closed this year. They have been keeping in contact with their suppliers to stay updated on the latest industry news as well as protocols which should be followed for safe traveling once it resumes.
They've always had destination and industry knowledge to help find the perfect vacation for you, while making it a stress free trip.
If you don't already have a Travel Professional you work with, I'd be honored to plan your next vacation. Besides cruises, I can also assist with land-based adventures such as resorts or tours.
Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.
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Looking Forward to Traveling Again Soon
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Where have you explored?
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