Quantum of the Seas Adjusts Protocols

Photo Credit:  Travel Weekly

According to a Reuters news story, Singapore's health ministry on Thursday reported 24 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since mid-September, with 17 of the fresh cases linked to a cluster at Changi Airport. This has prompted changes onboard Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas which is sailing short cruises to nowhere out of Singapore.

Singapore Raises Alert Level

Further Restrictions Under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) 

"Over the past two weeks several clusters of infections have emerged, coupled with a pattern of local unlinked community cases. These developments have demonstrated higher attack rates and secondary transmission occurs in “mask-off” settings, households, and at eateries. Given this, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced additional measures and restrictions under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) to minimize transmission of the virus in a swift and decisive manner. These measures are additional measures to what was announced on 4 May 2021. 

To reduce risks of community transmission, indoor “mask-off” activities such as dine-in F&B establishments will cease. Other activities which will also not be allowed during this period include strenuous indoor exercise class or strenuous individual and group indoor sports and exercise activities. In addition, personalized services which require masks to be removed (e.g. facials and saunas), singing, and the playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air (e.g. wind or brass instruments) will also not be allowed. The following measures will take effect from Sunday, 16 May 2021 through to Sunday, 13 June 2021."

Royal Caribbean Adjust Protocols

Royal Caribbean quickly responded to the change in the alert level by notifying guests booked on Quantum of the Seas from May 17 - June 13 of the following changes:

• Guest capacity is reduced to 25 percent occupancy. 
• Groups are limited to two guests. This means that at most, the ship will have 1,025 passengers aboard. 
• All restaurants are closed and guests will get room service options or "grab and go" from select restaurants aboard. 
• Capacity for live entertainment shows will be reduced to a maximum of 50 guests and live singing will not be available. 
• Permitted onboard activities, like those in Seaplex, Activity Zone and Pool Zone, will continue to operate at reduced capacity and with enhanced social distancing measures. 
• Masks will be required in the indoor pool.

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Traveling to Greece During Crisis

What to Know

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Greece of the possibility of disruptions to banking services – including credit-card processing and servicing of ATMs – throughout Greece in light of developments within the local economy.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry more than one means of payment (cash, debit cards, credit cards), and make sure to have enough cash on hand to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays.   Greece US Embassy

 Demonstrations & Other Risks

The alert also cautions about being aware of your surroundings at all times.   There might be scheduled and unscheduled political demonstrations as well.  Whenever you are traveling, you should follow this guideline anyway.

It is common knowledge that travelers are being advised to keep extra money with them, which increases the chance of being a target of unsavory individuals or groups looking to take advantage of the situation.    There are various safety methods that you can put in place to keep you and your money safe.

• Divide the funds among members in your group
• Only carry enough with you that you will need that day
• Leave extra money in safe of cruise ship or hotel room
• Use money belts to hide money on your person

Travel Insurance

Hopefully you purchased travel insurance when you booked your cruise or land vacation to Greece.   In our recent blog post, Insurance Awareness Day 2015, we talked about the value of travel insurance protecting against the unexpected.   You might be tempted to cancel your trip, but be aware that unless you purchased a "cancel for any reason" policy, this would most likely NOT be a covered event.   Even so, there are other benefits of the insurance policy which could come into play during your trip, if you were to lose valuables or be injured for example.

Potential Itinerary Changes

As of this writing, cruise lines with upcoming cruises have not altered their plans but we are certain they are keeping a close watch on developments.   The cruise lines number one priority is the safety of ships, passengers, and crew, so should there be any escalation in the wake of the bank closings, plans could be altered.     In similar situations like this, sea days or alternate ports were substituted, often with very little notice.   Be sure that you have provided contact information to your travel professional or cruise line as appropriate.   Should there be cancellations or changes that we become aware of, we'll share that information with you.

Additional Resources

One of the more important ways that U.S. Citizens can keep informed while traveling abroad is by  enrolling in the U.S. Department of State's STEP service.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.

Additional travel information can be found on International Travel (static tab on blog) and Travel Tools (on our website). Topics include: Tips for Traveling Abroad, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts 

We encourage all cruise passengers to be familiar with travel alerts, warnings, tips, and country specific requirements before leaving home.  Make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone at home and that you are adequately protected by travel insurance.

Enjoy Your Cruise to Greece

We were fortunate to travel to Greece a few years ago during our 12-night Mediterranean voyage.   For information about the ports we visited see our blog post:  Diary of Cruise with Chris to Greek Isles

Safe Travels

We highly suggest that you monitor the situation in Greece before and during your visit there.  We wish you safe travels, and for the wonderful people of Greece, we hope that this current financial situation can be resolved quickly.

Russian Federation Travel Alert

Courtesy Sochi 2014

SOCHI 2014 OLYMPICS

 Information for Travelers 

The U.S. Department of State updated a Travel Alert today for U.S. citizens planning to attend the 2014 Olympic Games in Russia that they should remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times.

Issued:              24 January 2014

Replaced:         10 January 2014

Expires:            24 March 2014

The alert replaces the previous one and provides updated information on reported threats against the Games.

Full information about the Olympic and Paralympic games for U.S. citizen visitors is available on the Sochi Fact Sheet and the Country Specific Information for the Russian Federation on their website, travel.state.gov.  The Department strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive pertinent safety and security information.  

The alert covers several areas including the following:

MEDICAL CARE:  

• first large-scale event
• medical capacity is untested
• treatment differs substantially from Western standards
• recommend purchasing private medical evacuation and/or repatriation insurance

TERRORISM:

• attractive target for terrorist  
• U.S. Government monitoring threats
• bombings & hostage events have occurred
• no indication of a specific threat to U.S. institutions or citizens
• be aware of personal surroundings and follow good security practices

CRIME:

• remain alert regarding personal security at all times
• Criminal activity in Sochi is similar to other cities of comparable size
• avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables 

PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS:

• avoid large crowds in areas that lack enhanced security measures
• use caution if protests, demonstrations, or other public disturbances are taking place

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) ISSUES:

• LGBT travelers should review the State Department’s LGBT Travel Information page

LODGING:

• May be shortages of lodging
• Book well in advance

SOURCE:   Russian Federation Travel Alert Last Updated: January 24, 2014 U.S. Embassy Moscow Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8 (Consular Section located at Novinskiy Bulvar 21) Moscow 121099, Russian Federation Telephone (7) (495) 728-5000 or (7) (495) 728-5577 Emergency Telephone (7) (495) 728-5000 Fax (7) (495) 728-5084 Email moscowwarden@state.gov U.S. Embassy Moscow

India Airport on High Terror Alert

High Alert in India

Airports are on high alert across India following a circular sent out by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security warning of a possible terror strike involving human bombs. Human bombs are surgically implanted, which means they are harder to detect.

The CISF and NSG teams have been alerted. Sources say the threat is not specific but general in nature. More security personnel have been deployed at the airports.

Previous significant threats mean that the cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bangalore are being particularly vigilant and the move could mean more rigorous checks for passengers.

Please allow additional time and be vigilant if you are flying in India.

London Violence Concern to Cruisers

Riots in London

"We needed a fightback and a fightback is under way"

BBC News is quoting the prime minister saying "We needed a fightback and a fightback is under way"  after four days of riots in London and surrounding areas.

The violence broke out over the weekend following a police shooting death of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old father of four who was gunned down in Tottenham on Thursday under disputed circumstances.

Prime Minister David Cameron said every action would be taken to restore order, with contingency plans for water cannon to be available at 24 hours' notice.   On Tuesday night London was quiet amid the increased police presence, but unrest spread to cities including Manchester, Salford, Liverpool, Nottingham and Birmingham, with shops being looted and fires set.

Update:  Saturday 13 August:

London and surrounding areas are trying to get back to normal following the past week's riots.  Courts stayed open on the weekend to process more than 1,000 cases related to the violent spree.  The PM and others speak out about what's wrong and what's right in Britain.   Events like this tend to bring out the best and worst in people.   We hope that things will remain calm and that a rebuilding can take place.

For latest information on the Riots, see BBC News: 

• England riots: Fightback under way, says PM
• England riots Live
• England riots: Map and timeline 

From other news sites

• Telegraph David Cameron: It's time for a zero tolerance approach to street crime

• Daily Express PM forced to deny rift with police 

• Guardian.co.uk UK riots aftermath: live updates 

• Mirror.co.uk Parliament to debate disturbances 

• Financial Times* Focus of rioting moves beyond UK capital  

Concern to Cruisers

London is in proximity to three cruise ports: Dover, Harwich, and Southampton, with cruise passengers often extending their cruise vacations with pre-cruise or post-cruise stays in London.  In our post, London - A Favorite Pre-Cruise Destination, we talked about some of our adventures in London prior to our cruise vacations.

August is the height of European cruise vacation season with several ships embarking from one of those ports of calls or stopping there during their journeys to the British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, or Mediterranean.   If violence continues, there will be an impact on cruise vacations to this area.

Ships, such as Holland America Line Maasdam, offer shore excursions to London while docked in Dover. It isn't known at this time whether shore excursions were impacted on its current voyage. Cruise lines monitor situations like this and adjust their schedules as needed.

The U.S. Department of State has not posted any travel warnings at this time but is monitoring the situation.  The following resources should be monitored by anyone planning on visiting the London area at this time.

Tips for Traveling Abroad 

Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts

This is yet another reason for travelers to purchase Travel Insurance. What would happen if you were in London, and the riots broke out, and you were injured?  What if you couldn't get to the port because the streets were blocked by the police in response to the violence?   Our advice is to plan for the unexpected.

Common travel problems like flight delays, travel injuries and illnesses, unpredictable weather, and lost or stolen luggage are some reasons why we recommend you travel with the Travel Companion plan.  Consult your policy for specific coverages.    

We hope that the violence will stop soon without any additional loss or injury, so that cruise vacationers' plans won't be impacted.   We will monitor the situation and bring you any significant developments.

Major Earthquake Hits Loyalty Islands

Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake

Loyalty Islands

May 10, 2011

GDACS Issues Green Tsunami Alert

A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake (later downgraded to 6.8M) struck off the Pacific islands of Vanuatu and New Caledonia Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of damage and a local official said that a tsunami was not expected.

Nonetheless, the earthquake triggered a green tsunami alert by GDACS. A green alert means very limited chance on damage and/or injuries as a result of the waves generated.  No Pacific-wide Tsunami was expected by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System provides near real-time alerts about natural disasters around the world and tools to facilitate response coordination, including media monitoring, map catalogues and Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre.

Magnitude	6.8
Date-Time	Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 08:55:09 UTC Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 07:55:09 PM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	20.252°S, 168.273°E
Depth	14.9 km (9.3 miles)
Region	LOYALTY ISLANDS
Distances	131 km (81 miles) SW (232°) from Isangel, Vanuatu 146 km (91 miles) NNE (16°) from Tadine, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia 278 km (173 miles) S (181°) from PORT-VILA, Vanuatu 1748 km (1086 miles) ENE (66°) from Brisbane, Australia
Location Uncertainty	horizontal +/- 13.2 km (8.2 miles); depth +/- 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
Parameters	NST=534, Nph=553, Dmin=>999 km, Rmss=0.95 sec, Gp= 14°, M-type="moment" magnitude from initial P wave (tsuboi method) (Mi/Mwp), Version=C
Source	USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event ID	usc0003ag4 (click for details)

There have been several aftershocks in the Loyalty Islands so far with the largest to date being a 5.7M.  Several more aftershocks are expected, but they should

This earthquake is similar to the ones that occurred in December, 2010,  and again in January this year which occurred as the result of normal-faulting within the Australia plate, in the region of the boundary between the Australia plate and the Pacific plate. This is a very active region due to the stresses which occur where the Australia plate subducts beneath the Pacific plate at the New Hebrides trench.

General Tsunami Information

• NOAA West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
• NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
• Tsunami Information Links

Additional Information

• GNS Science 
• Latest Earthquakes in the World - Past 7 days

Worldwide Travel Alerts Issued

In the wake of Sunday's counter-terrorist activity, the U.S. Department of State issued a very unusual Worldwide Travel Alert which is in effect now through August 1, 2011.  


"The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011. "

The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office is also expressing concern. It has not issued an official alert but has released a statement advising British travelers to be cautious abroad: "We have advised British nationals overseas to monitor local media, remain vigilant and exercise caution." 

It is important to note that the alert doesn't make any reference to a specific threat, but rather just encourages American citizens to be vigilant and stay informed of current news as they travel.   This is common sense which should be exercised regardless of whether or not an alert has been issued.

One of the more important ways that U.S. Citizens can keep informed while traveling abroad is by  enrolling in the U.S. Department of State's STEP service.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.

Additional travel information can be found on International Travel (static tab on blog) and Travel Tools (on our website).   We encourage all cruise passengers to be familiar with travel alerts, warnings, tips, and country specific requirements before leaving home.  Make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone at home and that you are adequately protected by travel insurance.

Travel Alert fo St. Lucia After Tomas

Hurricane Tomas Caused Extensive Damage

In the wake of Hurricane Tomas, this normally picturesque Caribbean paradise is without much of its infrastructure, prompting a recent Travel Alert by the U.S. State Department.  St. Lucia's Prime Minister declared a state of emergency, and reports indicate that St. Lucia’s transportation and communication infrastructure was seriously affected.  This Travel Alert expires on December 1, 2010. 

According to the travel alert, "There are no reports of U.S. citizens killed or seriously injured in the storm or its aftermath.  However, major roads and bridges on the islands are closed due to landslides and flooding, making transportation around the island extremely difficult or impossible.  Cell phone towers are down, resulting in limited communication, and some areas do not have electricity or water.  St. Lucia authorities are working to restore services as soon as possible.  Both airports on St. Lucia are open, but operating at limited capacity."

St. Lucia wasn't the only country impacted by Tomas in the region. St. Vincent and the Grenadines also experienced significant damage due to Hurricane Tomas in the northern part of the country, but areas generally frequented by travelers were not severely impacted. 

What does this mean for tourists?

Cruise lines are monitoring the situation and may substitute a different port of call for St. Lucia.   The travel alert indicated  "U.S. citizens should contact their tour operator, airline, or hotel for further information on the situation before traveling."      

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to St. Lucia despite the Travel Alert are urged to enroll with the State Department's travel registration website.  Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s website for updated information at https://www.usembassy.gov/barbados/.  

Updates from the Islands

Latest local updates from the special hurricane correspondents on the islands (with pictures):

  Barbados  --  Dominica  -- Grenada -- Trinidad & Tobago

Martinique -- St.Lucia  -- St.Vincent & Grenadines -- 

We wish the people of St. Lucia well, and hope that they will be able to quickly restore the infrastructure so that their lives can return to normal and tourists can once again visit this beautiful country.

 

State Department Issues Travel Alert for Europe

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe.  Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks.  European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions.

According to the Alert, "Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests.  U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure.  Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services.  U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling."

The U.S. State Department constantly monitors threats from international terrorism, including al-Qa’ida, across the world.  They work with  European allies routinely exchanging information in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.  The U.S. State Department is responsible for U.S. citizens safety abroad.

Britain raised the terrorism threat level in its advice for citizens traveling to Germany and France to "high" from "general." It left the threat level at home unchanged at "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely, and said it agreed with the U.S. assessment for the continent as a whole.

Take Precautions When Traveling

Europe's travel industry has suffered substantially this year with the earlier declines due to the Icelandic volcano.   Now, once again, the travel sector in Europe may be impacted by the U.S. State Department alert.   The U.S. alert falls short of a more severe one in which the State Department might have warned citizens against traveling to Europe. Instead, the alert urges them to take precautions when they do travel.  That is something that should always be done, regardless of threat level.


"We're not saying don't travel to Europe. We are not saying don't visit ... major tourist attractions or historic sites or monuments," Patrick Kennedy, undersecretary of state, told reporters on a conference call.


IMPORTANT LINKS & INFORMATION

Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts

U.S. Embassies (Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions)
State Department's travel registration website - register travel  with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Country Specific Information for each country you plan to visit
Tips for Traveling Abroad which should be followed regardless of threat level

 To obtain up-to-date information on security conditions:

1-888-407-4747 (U.S. & Canada)  or  1-202-501-4444 (world-wide) 

WHAT DOES THE ALERT MEAN FOR YOUR CRUISE TO EUROPE

At a minimum, expect longer lines at security checkpoints across the globe.  You should allow extra time at airports, especially on international flights.   You will see heightened security presence at the airports, including armed law enforcement, dogs, and other security measures.

Additional security measures will be in force at key tourism locations.   If you carry a backpack or other bag, you should anticipate that it will be searched.   Be aware of your surroundings at all time.

Cruise ship security will also be heightened, so you'll need to arrive early to the port and be prepared to wait for boarding.   Here again, security screenings will take longer both at original embarkation and at ports, especially in Europe.

The cruise lines will be monitoring the situation and may adjust itineraries if the situation is warranted.   Federal and local officials will work closely with the cruise lines to ensure safety of all passengers.  

This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2011.