CDC Seeks Public Comments on Cruising and Covid-19

On July 16, 2020, CDC extended the No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation thru September 30th stating 'The current scientific evidence suggests that cruise ships pose a greater risk of COVID-19 transmission than other settings.'

On July 21, 2020, CDC announced a Request for Information related to cruise ship planning and infrastructure, resumption of passenger operations, and additional summary questions. This information may be used to inform future public health guidance and preventative measures relating to travel on cruise ships.

Public Can Comment

Interested persons or organizations are invited to participate by submitting comments specifically on the following questions related to planning and infrastructure, resumption of passenger operations, and summary questions raised in this document.

This was formally documented in the Federal Register here.  There are 28 questions, many of which have subcategories.  A PDF version of the Federal register is available here.

Until now, the cruise industry talks with the CDC have been focused on operations to protect the safety of crew members onboard ships that have been impacted by the no-sail order.   This opens the door for talks about resumption of operations with health and safety measures in place.

You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2020-0087 by any of the following methods listed below. CDC does not accept comment by email.

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 
• Mail: Maritime Unit, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS V18-2, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and Docket Number. All relevant comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov. 

CLIA Response to Extension

According to Seatrade Cruise News, In response to the CDC's extended no-sail order, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said the industry remains 'aligned with the CDC in our commitment to public health and safety. We are also pleased that the CDC has announced its intention to issue a request for information about the industry's resumption of passenger operations. As we continue to work towards the development of enhanced protocols to support the safe resumption of cruise operations around the world, we look forward to timely and productive dialogue with the CDC to determine measures that will be appropriate for ocean-going cruise operations to resume in the United States when the time is right.'

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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  

Each week we post images from our trips and participate in several travel chats on Twitter.

Take advantage of these resources to assist in you in planning your dream vacations.  Of course, we are always available to answer any questions you might have about travel and the industry.

Melbourne Arrival - Know Before You Go

Pre-Cruise in Melbourne

As we arrived in Melbourne on Valentine's Day 2020 the sun was just rising.  We were able to watch from the comfort of our seats since our Quantas jet had an exterior camera.  It was  around 10 AM when we landed.   We were in row 87 so it took awhile to deplane.

Passport control Passport control can get busy, so make sure you allow enough time if you are arriving the same day as your cruise (which we strongly advise against).

Incoming passenger card 

On your flight, you’ll receive an incoming passenger card to fill out with your personal details and flight information. You’ll need this for your arrival into Australia. Note that you must use either black or blue pen. 

SmartGate  

Certain travelers can use the arrivals SmartGate. Simply place your passport into the scanning device for your information to be processed. You can then step into the SmartGate and look into the camera so that your face can be matched with your passport. When successfully processed, the gate will open. If you are unsuccessful or require special assistance, there will be officers to help manually process your passport. More information.  

We stopped to use the restrooms and headed to Passport Control.  We didn't get landing cards on the plane, because they ran out, but we were able to use the SmartGate so it didn't take too long to get to baggage claim.

Luggage was starting to come off the conveyor belt by the time we arrived at baggage claim.  There are free trolleys there for you to use.

It's a good thing, since you can see from the picture here that we next got into a very very long line to head to the final checkpoint to clear customs.   In fact, it wound its way through most of the baggage claim area.

Customs and biosecurity

Once you have your bags, the last step before you can exit the airport is passing through customs and biosecurity. Note that you do not need your passport at this point.

SmartGate and incoming passenger card 

Present your SmartGate ticket and incoming passenger card to one of the officers so you can pass through Customs and Border Protection and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.

Declaring goods – Remember to declare any necessary items at this point. This includes things like animal or plant goods. More information here.

Leaving the airport  (we opted for Taxi)

Consider how you’re going to leave the airport. There are transportation options to suit all budgets.

Taxi – A taxi to Melbourne City takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around $55–65, though times and fares can vary. Taxis can be caught on the ground floor outside T1, and between T2 and T3. 

SkyBus – The SkyBus operates three services 24/7 to Melbourne City, St Kilda or Frankston. To the city, this journey takes 30–45 minutes. There is a SkyBus booth to assist with tickets and related services on the ground level of T2.

Public transport – Public buses arrive and depart from Melbourne Airport near the At Terminal T4

Car hire – There’s a great selection of rental car companies available at Melbourne Airport. You'll find them located across the forecourt from T2.

Our pre-cruise stay was at Crowne Plaza Melbourne in the Central Business District.  It was 15 minutes away from the airport and 15 minutes away from the cruise terminal.  

We'll talk more about our first day in Melbourne in another post.  For more images, see our Shutterfly Photo Page.
Hopefully, you've followed us live on our social media channels as well.  Don't worry if you didn't, as our anchor post will tie everything together for you.  Just click the image (left) to our diary post.

Connect With Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

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

Each week we post images from our trips and participate in several travel chats on Twitter.

Take advantage of these resources to assist in you in planning your dream vacations.  Of course, we are always available to answer any questions you might have about travel and the industry.

Welcome New Followers

#SocialMediaDay 2016 

To Our New Followers

We'd like to welcome new readers to our Blog, Facebook fan page, Twitter, Pinterest, and website, on this #SocialMediaDay.   We look forward to socializing more with you in the future to help plan a great cruise or land vacation for you and your traveling companions. We've included links here with a brief explanation of some of the resources we offer to our followers.   Please be sure to take advantage of all these opportunities, as that is the best way to stay informed.

 
If you haven’t signed up for our eSavers Newsletter yet, be sure to do so. This is just one of our communication vehicles to keep you informed about industry news and special offers for our loyal followers. By signing up for our newsletter you are also entered into our quarterly contest to win a free trip.




Be sure to visit our Facebook Fan Page and "Like Us" so that you can be in the inner circle of our Fans. You’ll have the opportunity to be the first to know about specials and other exclusive information, such as updates from cruise lines.

We have several boards on Pinterest which might be of interest to you.

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

Each week we post images from our trips and participate in several travel chats on Twitter.

Take advantage of these resources to assist in you in planning your dream vacations.  Of course, we are always available to answer any questions you might have about travel and the industry.

2016 Hurricane Preparedness - Getting Info

Hurricane Information TV, web, social media - only use trusted sources for the latest hurricane information! NOAA's National Hurricane Center is your official source for Atlantic hurricane forecasts and the issuance of hurricane watches and warnings. In addition, your local NOAA National Weather Service forecast office provides information regarding the expected impacts from the storm for your area. http://www.hurricanes.gov/ http://hurricanes.gov/prepare https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?cpac

Forecast Process

We continue our coverage of the 2016 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at the tropical weather forecasting process. 

Update on National Hurricane Center Products and Services for 2016 (PDF)

6 Hour Forecast Cycle When a storm threatens the following occurs 0:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. 0:45 Receive the location of the center of the hurricane. 1:00 Initialize or start the hurricane models with the storm's location and intensity 1:20 Receive model guidance and prepare a new hurricane forecast. 2:00 Coordinate with National Weather Service and Dept. of Defense. 3:00 Issue the full hurricane advisory package. ISSUANCE TIME: 5am EDT (4 CDT) 11am EDT (10 CDT) 5pm EDT (4 CDT) 11pm EDT (10 CDT) 3:15 Participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conference call with the affected states. 6:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. ** When a Watch or a Warning is issued, intermediate advisories are initiated. MORE INFO ON FORECAST PRODUCTS Source:  NHC: Forecast Process (Learn More)

Part of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics. This section provides information about the roles of those responsible for providing hurricane information to emergency managers and decision makers. The TPC is comprised of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB), and the Technical Support Branch (TSB). During hurricane season, the latter two provide support to the NHC. The local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in hurricane-prone areas are also important participants in the forecast process. OBSERVATION Observations including satellites, buoys, reconnaissance aircraft, and radar are the basis for all forecast and warning products issued by the NHC. Quality, quantity, and timeliness of remote sensing observations are critical for accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. ANALYSIS The various observations are checked for quality, analyzed, and put into a suite of computer models.  MODEL GUIDANCE AND INTERPRETATION The computer models take in the observations and perform millions of calculations to generate predictions of hurricane behavior and the general conditions of the atmosphere in which the hurricane is embedded. The model results are packaged as guidance for the appropriate national centers and local offices and for evaluation and use in the NWS's forecast and warning process. COORDINATION WITHIN THE NWS Forecasts and warnings are coordinated between the national centers and local forecast offices to provide consistency, which is critical during severe weather episodes.

Read Entire Series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


Hurricane Preparedness Week:   May 15 - May 21, 2016

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

Virtual National Cruise Vacation Week Calendar 2012

Resources to Help You Explore the World of Cruise Vacationing

October is National Cruise Vacation Month and we will be sharing useful information with our readers on this blog, our Facebook page, and website. We'll add links to this calendar to help you find related information.

First-time Cruisers and Seasoned Cruisers alike should find something of interest in the calendar.   Simply click on a calendar day entry to start your exploration.   If there are specific topics you'd like to see us cover, contact us.

Bookmark this blog post and visit often for updated links

  

National Cruise Vacation Week

The World’s Largest Cruise Sale

October 21 - 27, 2012

←September 2012				October 2012 Calendar								November 2012→
Sun		Mon		Tue		Wed		Thu		Fri		Sat
		1		2		3		4		5		6
		October 2012 - National Cruise Vacation Month		Welcome to our Updated Facebook Fan Page Having an AzAmazing Time Cruising		Cruise Rookies National Cruise Vacation Month Coming Attractions		Not All Cabins Are Alike		Planning a Cruise Vacation		Your Cruise Departing From a Nearby Port
7		8		9		10		11		12		13
What Cruise Ports are on Your Bucket List		What Would Christopher Columbus Think		Size Does Matter - They Come In Many Sizes		Should My First Cruise be 109 Days or Less		Stop Losing Sleep Seek Advice of Specialist		Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 1)		Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 2)
14		15		16		17		18		19		20
Creating Magical Memories 2012
Welcome Reception at Epcot
21		22		23		24		25		26		27
28		29		30		31
		National Cruise Vacation Month Wrapup
										Created with		WinCalendar

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, the Castle remains a working palace today. 

Venturing Further from Central London

Continuing our series on What to do in London, if you are only there for two days, we'll head out by train to Windsor Royal Station for a visit to one of the queen's residences, Windsor Castle. 

Working Royal Residence

More Photos on our Fan Page

The Queen uses the Castle both as a private home, where she usually spends the weekend, and as a Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties.  In the springtime, she takes up residence for the entire month around Easter (March - April).  This is known as the Easter Court during which she holds several 'dine and sleeps' events for guests, including politicians and public figures.

Windsor Castle is often used by The Queen to host State Visits from overseas monarchs and presidents. Foreign Heads of State enter the Castle in horse-drawn carriages through the George IV Gateway into the quadrangle in the Upper Ward, where a military guard of honour is drawn up.

Many Royal weddings have been celebrated in St George's Chapel, as well as funerals such as those of Princess Margaret and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, have also taken place there. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother lies buried in the Chapel with her husband, King George VI, and Princess Margaret, her younger daughter.

Visitor Information

Many parts of the Castle are open to the public, including the precincts, the State Apartments, Queen Mary's famous dolls' house, St George's Chapel, and the Albert Memorial Chapel.

When The Queen is in official residence, Changing the Guard provides a colourful spectacle in the quadrangle.  At Horse Guards Arch, Changing the Guard takes place daily at 11.00 am (10.00 am on Sundays) and lasts about half an hour; it is normally held on Horse Guards Parade by the arch of Horse Guards Building.   The Guard Mounting is held daily May - July.

How to get there

By train: To Windsor from London Waterloo or London Paddington (National Rail Enquiries Service 08457 484950 (UK)).

By coach: Green Line operates daily services from Victoria Coach Station, London.

Tour companies operate excursions to Windsor Castle from many London hotels. For details, please ask your hotel concierge.

By road: M4 to Exit 6. M3 to Exit 3.
For more information about Windsor and parking, please visit www.windsor.gov.uk.

Special Series on London 

 Here and on our Facebook Page