Showing posts with label Norwegian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Norwegian. Show all posts

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Cruise Lines Lifting Testing Protocols

Covid-19 Test

Covid-19 Rapid Testing


The image on the right may look familiar to many of you who have cruised during 2022.   It is the Abbot Labs self-test kit accepted by the majority of cruise lines as a valid proctored rapid test.

While there hasn't been any formal declaration of an end to the pandemic, there have been some positive trends which has prompted the cruise lines to relax some of their Covid-19 protocols.   The latest round of updates includes the lifting of testing requirements with certain exceptions.

We just returned from our Transatlantic cruise on Celebrity Beyond.  This image was actually captured when we did our pre-cruise test at the airport.
Our particular cruise was one of the exceptions requiring passengers to be fully vaccinated, and to have a proctored PCR or Antigen test with negative results presented in order to board the ship.

Here are the latest updates from the cruise lines regarding testing requirements.   It is best to consult your cruise lines' health and safety page prior to sailing as requirements fluctuate frequently.


Royal Caribbean and Disney have announced that they are lifting testing protocols for sailings departing from the United States with some exceptions. Check out all the details below.

Royal Caribbean

Summary  
Royal Caribbean has already made the decision to welcome all guests, regardless of vaccination status, onboard their itineraries. Now, effective November 2, 2022, travelers on U.S., Barbados, or Singapore sailings — regardless of vaccination status — will no longer require pre-departure testing, with a few exclusions outlined below.
  

 What You Need To Know

 Vaccination Recommended:

  • We recommend that guests be fully vaccinated and boostered against COVID19.
  • While vaccination is not required, we kindly ask guests disclose their status during check-in.

 Testing: 

  • Effective November 2, 2022, all travelers — regardless of vaccination status — will no longer require pre-departure testing.
    • Exclusions apply to sailings to Colombia, Haiti, Honduras, Transatlantic and Australia sailings.
  • The Barbados Customs & Immigration form is no longer required for entry into Barbados.

 U.S. & Barbados Departures visiting Colombia, Haiti, & Honduras: 

  • All unvaccinated guests ages 12 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days prior to sailing.
  • Fully vaccinated guests and guests ages 11 years and younger are exempt from this test.

 Resources


Disney Cruise Line

 Statement

Beginning November 14, 2022, for sailings departing from the United States, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests (regardless of vaccination status) to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to sailing. Disney Cruise Line continues to highly recommend that all Guests be fully vaccinated and encourages unvaccinated Guests to take a COVID-19 test two days prior to sailing.

 Resources


Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruise Line has announced that they are lifting testing protocols for sailings departing from the United States with some exceptions. Check out all the details below. 

Statement  

Beginning with departures on November 2, 2022: All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome to cruise with us and will no longer be required to provide proof of pre-departure testing, except for specific sailings where vaccination or testing are required by law.

What You Need to Know

Exceptions currently include:

 Resources


Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line has updated their pre-cruise testing protocols. Please see the details below.

Statement

Carnival Cruise Line is informing guests and travel agents of additional updates to its pre-cruise testing protocols for guests on voyages 15 nights or less. These changes are consistent with the evolving public health guidelines and will be acceptable for arriving cruise guests effective immediately. Vaccines, proof of vaccination, and testing for unvaccinated guests are no longer required on cruises of 15 nights or less. However, Carnival encourages all guests 5 years and older to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, when eligible, carry proof of vaccination, and get tested before embarkation.

What You Need to Know

  • Cruises of 15 nights or less: Although not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests, Carnival encourages all guests 5 years and older to take a pre-cruise test within three days of their cruise.
  • Cruises of 16 nights or more: Guests age 5 years and older have to present a PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days before sailing (unsupervised self-tests are not accepted).
  • A VeriFLY pass is no longer necessary for check-in.


Resources

 

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruise Lines has lifted all protocols for most voyages.

Statement

Beginning October 21, protocols to cruising have been lifted. This means that for most voyages there are no longer vaccination or testing requirements. This applies to itineraries to all destinations except where government regulations may vary like Australia and on a few enhanced guidelines voyages that have their own vaccination and testing requirements.

Resources

 

Bermuda

Bermuda has announced that they will no longer require testing for cruise passengers beginning October 25, 2022. Health insurance requirements will remain the same.

 Please be mindful that at this time, not all cruise lines websites are updated with the below information. It is important to continue referencing the cruise line websites for specific health and safety guidelines.

Statement

All Cruise travellers arriving October 25, 2022, onwards will no longer require a pre-travel test, arrival test or a day 4 test. Unvaccinated non-resident travellers will still be required to upload valid proof of travel health insurance to enter Bermuda. 
 

Resources

  • Apply for a Bermuda Travel Authorisation
  • Click here for Bermuda’s definition of fully vaccinated
  • Click here for the requirements for valid proof of travel health insurance
  • Click here for the requirements for a valid pre-travel test.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will eliminate COVID-19 requirements …

 What You Need To Know

  • Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 requirements effective October 4, 2022 including:
    • Testing
    • Masking  
    • Vaccination
  • With the easing of the Cruise Line’s health and safety protocols, NCL will continue to follow the travel guidelines as required by the destinations it visits.
    • Please see the resources below for more detailed information about the country requirements.

Resources




I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.




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Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Heading to the Last Frontier

Alaska
Inside Passage Cruising
Round-trip Seattle 

 With the passing of the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act, cruise lines are announcing their return to Alaska this summer.   Normally, cruises would have already started in Alaska, but there was a major roadblock, which was lifted by the passing of this legislation.   Read More

Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Holland America, and Princess Cruises) has announced 7-day Inside Passage voyages from Seattle beginning in July, 2021.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Miracle Alaska
click images to enlarge
Carnival Miracle Sailings


Carnival Miracle will sail weekly departures starting Tuesday July 27, 2021 through September 14. There are seven 7-day cruises featuring calls in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord. The September 14 departure is an 8-day cruise with an additional stop in Icy Strait Point. 

The cruises will be open to guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the cruise; proof of vaccination is required.




Holland America Line
Holland America Line will resume operations to Alaska with seven-day itineraries aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, calling at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage. The first cruise for the brand is scheduled to depart July 24, with 11 Saturday departures that will operate through Oct. 2.

The cruises will be open to guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the cruise; proof of vaccination is required.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises - Alaska
Majestic Princess will sail 7-day Inside Passage voyages which include ports of call in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park.  The ship will depart on Sundays starting July 25 - September 26.

In a briefing we attended yesterday from Princess Cruises, we learned that not all the protocols have been finalized.  Passengers will need to be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to sailing.  

According to Princess, passengers will be able to disembark the ship on Princess shore excursions or on their own.  They are waiting for CDC guidelines regarding masks and capacity limits, among other safety protocols which will need to be followed.   Princess Cruises will continue to update the trade, so it is best to work with a professional travel advisor so that you have the latest information.


Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Group (Celebrity and Royal Caribbean) has announced 7-day Inside Passage voyages from Seattle beginning in July, 2021.

Royal Caribbean

RCI Alaska 2021
Serenade & Ovation Sailings
Royal Caribbean® returns to Alaska with two fan favorites sailing from Seattle. Adventures on Serenade of the Seas® begin July 19, 2021 from her new homeport of Seattle, and the biggest ship in the region, Ovation of the Seas®, returns August 13, 2021. It’s time to take on the untamed thrills of the Last Frontier..

Plan your Alaska cruise with peace of mind knowing that all crew members and vacationers 16 years of age or older will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone 12 or older after August 1, 2021  will receive a test prior to sailing. These measures are part of Royal Caribbean's commitment to the health and safety of every guest, crew member and community visited. The measures will be evaluated and updated as public health circumstances evolve. 

No matter which itinerary you choose, get ready for fjord flightseeing in Juneau, glacier gazing in Alaska’s Inside Passage, and peak seeking in Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Celebrity Cruises 
 
Starting on July 23, you’ll be able to discover the wild beauty of Alaska once again aboard the fully revolutionized Celebrity Summit. This 7-night cruise will set sail from Seattle and will visit stunning destinations including Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. 

During your journey, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with towering glaciers, watch whales as they breach the water, and admire the rugged landscapes of the Last Frontier from the comfort of this award-winning ship.

The same health and safety protocols will be implemented on Celebrity Summit.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Bliss Alaska
Norwegian Bliss Sailings
 Norwegian Bliss will sail Alaska itineraries out of Seattle starting August 7, 2021 through October 16, 2021. The itineraries include stops in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point. Each stop offers between 7 and 13 hours of port time. 

 Just like the other cruise lines, all adult guests will need to be fully vaccinated to be onboard.





Contact us to book your Alaska adventure today. 

There are many choices when it comes to sailing to Alaska this summer and next year. Alaska is often a once in a lifetime experience, so you want to get it right. As Alaska specialists, we can advise you on the cruise ship that is right for you and your guests. 

In addition, the health and safety protocols continue to evolve, and there is no need for you to concern yourself about understanding them - we will take care of that for you.




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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.




Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat


Friday, March 27, 2020

Hope Floats in the Caribbean


Captain Kate McCue, first female captain of a major cruise line, is the skipper of Celebrity Edge, which is currently joined by several other ships in the "neighborhood" as she put it in her Instagram post. The captains from different ships and cruise lines joined together at 7:30 PM for a ship horn salute. Watch the video on IG. #HopeFloats

"On March 20th we started something special. With ships from different companies congregating in the same "neighborhood" it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate our solidarity."

We were fortunate to sail on Celebrity Edge last December, before the Coronavirus spread across the globe. Captain Kate is a bright example of the future. We wish her, all the captains, and crew calm seas. Stay healthy.   Our hearts are with you and your families as you are apart during these difficult times.

We look forward to re-booking our guests on cruise sailings once this health threat is over.





On March 20th we started something special. With ships from different companies congregating in the same "neighborhood" it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate our solidarity. As a sign that we're all in this and we'll get through it together, we invite all ships, (currently with over 250,000 crew members onboard around the globe), to join in a horn salute at 7:30 every evening going forward. We sound our horns, to let our crew and the world know that while we are strong, safe, and healthy on board, we are thinking of those at home and hoping the same for them. Until our safe returns to our home ports, we wish them fair winds and following seas. You can follow the nightly salute at #HopeFloats . ⚓🔊💙🙏#wewillbeback #strongertogether @cliaglobal @celebritycruises @celebrityedge @royalcaribbean @azamaravoyages @meinschiffofficial @halcruises @carnival @princesscruises @msccruisesofficial @pocruises @norwegiancruiseline @maersk_official @cunardline @seabourncruise @aida_cruises @coscoshippinglinesnvrsk @cmacgm @ocean_network_express @hapaglloydag @hapaglloydcruises @evergreen_ships_official @hyundai_worldwide . 🚢Thanks to the following ships for helping to start the movement! #celebrityedge @celebrityreflection #navigatoroftheseas #symphonyoftheseas #harmonyoftheseas #oasisoftheseas #anthemoftheseas #marineroftheseas #zuiderdam #veendam #volendam #nieuwstatendam #nieuwamsterdam 🤜Thank you to our awesome Broadcast Team for this video: Bonnie, AJ, Maciej & @cruisedirectorsimon 🎬💙🎥 #lifeintheSeaSuite #seastheday #life #sea #cruise #sail #captain #beyondborders #wonderawaits #celebritycruises
A post shared by Captain Kate McCue (@captainkatemccue) on

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Understanding Cruise Beverage Packages

Beverage of Choice


Drink Packages Comparison Chart 

This chart shows a comparison of several similar drink packages on popular cruise lines. The choice is yours whether to go with a package or a la carte pricing.  This post will discuss some of the factors that will weigh into your decision.  Your travel professional can offer some additional guidance.

Before we get into the pros & cons, you need to understand that not all beverage packages are alike. You will want to ask for the current package pricing options. Sometimes there are discounts available if you purchase them prior to your cruise. But, the most important question will undoubtedly be "Is a Package Right For You on This Cruise?"



Common Considerations

Most packages have a maximum number of drinks allowed each day of your cruise. In most cases, that's around 15 drinks. That sounds like a lot of drinks, and for some people it would be, but keep in mind it may include soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

Your beverage consumption habits will dictate the value you will get on a daily basis. Soda will be around $1.50 while some cocktails and wine will be $13 or more. There is also a maximum drink price which varies by cruise line, so you could still end up with a bar tab over and above the package depending on your drink selection and the number of drinks you order on a given day.

Let's Do Some Math

You can see from the chart that most packages average around $60.  Figuring 15 drinks per day, that gives us a $4 per drink cost.  The more drinks that you purchase priced over $4, the larger the value you receive by selecting the package over pay as you go pricing.

Cruise Length & Itinerary Impact

If you are on  a cruise with several sea days, you'll get more value with a beverage package, since you'll be spending more time onboard the ship. On the other hand, a port intensive cruise, like a Mediterranean cruise, might not offer sufficient time onboard to take advantage of a package.  The destination may also factor into the benefit realized from any beverage package.  You'll drink a lot more in hot and humid Caribbean than in Alaska.

Consider All Your Options

We've only compared the deluxe beverage options here.  Sometimes, a cheaper package may be the right choice for your cruise if you don't plan on consuming the higher end beverages.  If you drink beer, but don't think you want to consume 15 drinks a day, you might just purchase a bucket of beer or similar offer as you go.

Keep in mind that in most cases, if one passenger in the cabin purchases a package, all others in the cabin must have one as well.   Norwegian Cruise Line takes that a step further, your children, that you hid away across the hallway in an inside cabin, will also need a soda package.

Opportunity to Experiment

You are sitting poolside when you spot an exotic cocktail walking by you on its way to another passenger.   The waiter asks you if you want to try one.   If you have a beverage package, you say, sure why not.   Without a package, you might not be willing to experiment; you'd stay with your old faithful choice instead.

Hopefully we've given you a better understanding of cruise beverage packages.   We suggest keeping watch on your emails prior to your cruise because you may find an offer you just can't refuse.  Regardless of whether you purchase a package or individual drinks on your next cruise, please drink responsibly so that you and your traveling companions can have a safe and enjoyable trip.




National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

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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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat