During a webinar with Richard Fain, Chairman of the Board for the Royal Caribbean Group, he indicated some additional insights and overview of these recommendations. Below is a summary so that you will know what to expect as cruising resumes.
The team recognized that risk can never be fully eliminated, however, with appropriate measures in place it can be substantially reduced along with additional layers of protection interconnected to provide additional risk mitigation. The Panel recognized that the Covid -19 pandemic is ever-changing. Some the recommendations will need to continue to be in place while others may be modified over time.
Areas of Focus:
1. Testing, Screening & Exposure
Crew will be tested prior to leaving their homes, potential test at pier, quarantine for 7 days onboard the ship and then be tested again with periodic testing of crew.
All guests, regardless of how they are arriving, should be tested between 5 days and 24 hours before boarding. Very interestingly, Mr. Fain indicated that the cruise line will receive the test results directly electronically.
At embarkation, everyone will undergo health screenings followed by daily temperature checks. Guests will need to formally agree to follow safety policies and health protocols. Compliance with established protocols will be critical to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience for all.
Masks will be required when cruises first start sailing again. Guests will be self- reporting symptoms onboard. When cruises first resume, they should remove self-service buffets. Some recreational activities will need to change venues or be postponed at the start. When cruising returns, there will be reduced capacity and social distancing requirements. The percentage will be a balancing act and change over time based on test sailings, incremental changes and constant improvement. Mr. Fain indicated that there were no magical numbers. Everything will be change incrementally, while including auditing as part of the process.
2. Sanitation & Ventilation
Enhancements will be made to sanitation protocols on ships, terminals, and operated destinations. Recommendations to enhance ventilation systems were also made. Focus was on hand sanitizer stations and hand washing to reduce transmission.
3. Response, Contingency Planning & Execution
Recommendations were made for additional medical personnel, equipment and increased capacity of onboard medical facilities. The focus here is on catching it early. Contact Tracing. Designation of certain cabins for isolation and quarantine spaces. Guidelines for debarking the ship if sick.
4. Destination & Excursion Planning
Sailing to various destinations to do so in a way to reduce risk. They will start out as an extension of the bubble and expand in better ways. In the beginning, itineraries should be as simple as possible, using private destinations where cruise lines can have better control over shore excursions. Initially start with shorter sailings. Cruise lines are working with governments around the world and local port areas. In the beginning, guests will only be allowed to get off the ship via cruise line excursions. Cruise operators should offer inside excursions only if social distancing, use of masks can be implemented.
5. Mitigating Risks for Crew Members
Extensive testing of Crew and education on protocols. Over time, there will be changes made while trying to keep the cruise experience that guests have enjoyed.
In Summary, the above recommendations are viewed as the Northstar. Operational protocols will be issued relatively soon. Recommended were dockside simulations with employees followed by short test cruises with employees to nowhere and then to a single destination. Independent observers would be present to discuss any further modifications or corrective actions
While no specific return date has been established, Mr. Fain indicated that there is a tremendous eagerness to get back into operation in a healthy and safe way. Stay tuned for updates.
As your Travel Advisors, we are constantly reading, participating in webinars and virtual meetings to stay up to date on the fluid changes. When you are ready to make plans, reach out to our Crew. Every member of our Crew is a professional agent that each has individually over a decade of experience in the travel industry and is equipped with all of the knowledge and tools to assist with your dream vacation. Being a Full-Service Agency, we can plan all of the details so that all you have to do is enjoy your trip!
United States offers arguably some of the most spectacular wildlife adventures around, perhaps most notably while on an Alaskan cruise! Visions of bears catching salmon in streams, penguins and seals playfully swimming along the shoreline, and killer whales breaching nearby come to mind when you think of this untamed land for good reason. This is nature on display in all its glory away from the bright city lights and smog-producing factories. The crisp air and a chance to witness the splendor of the Northern lights alone are worth the price of admission!
Antarctica
Haven’t you heard? Travel-enthusiasts are calling Antarctica “The New Alaska” and cruise lines have been responding with amazing expedition ships you will love! Journey South with the adventure of a lifetime beginning in Buenos Aires in Argentina and continuing towards Cape Horn in Chile, the Schollart Channel in Antarctica, Paradise Bay in Antarctica, the Gerlache Strait in Antarctica, Elephant Island in Antarctica, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, Puerto Madryn in the Península Valdés in Argentina, and Montevideo in Uruguay. These are just some of the places you can explore aboard a luxurious cruise while taking advantage of the spa, indoor pool, and phenomenal dining. Interested in staying in one location longer? We cannot say we blame you as these vistas are unlike any other on Earth! Contact our team to find out invaluable information on where to stay, how to get around, and when to book your trip.
Canada
Tour the Reversing Rapids in the Bay of Fundy and the Louisbourg Fortress in Nova Scotia considered to be the largest historical reconstruction in North America. Feel as if you have traveled back in time as you stroll through the quaint city of Quebec, one the oldest cities in North America that attracts foodies, artists, and history buffs from all over the world. Finish your visit by sampling local mussels by the red shoreline of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island or standing in the footsteps of photography legends who flock to Jasper National Park and Banff for captivating images that will turn out amazing even without expensive camera gear!
New England Tour
If you are taking a cruise through Canada, chances are you will be able to depart from Boston, Massachusetts and dock in either the charming city of Portland, Maine or Bar Harbor, Maine, which was once called home to some of America’s elites like the Rockefeller’s, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies. If you go to Bar Harbor, be sure your trip includes a stop by the adjacent Acadia National Park where rocky beaches and glacier peaks set this national park apart from the rest! For a land tour to remember, ask about scenic and historic loops from Massachusetts up to Maine and back through rural New Hampshire and mountainous Vermont. When it comes to folklore, history, and legends, it is hard to beat these New England landmarks!
Scandinavia
From the inspiring landscapes of Finland to the fjords of Norway, this area has enough brisk jaw-dropping nature adventures and unique architecture to astound even the most well-traveled member of your family. Some highlights include the Preikestolen in Norway where fans of great heights can feel on top of the world from nearly 2,000 feet above sea level and a birds-eye view of the Lysefjord, Finland’s famous sauna culture and Baltic Sea dips at Löyly Sauna in Helsinkithe, or a dog-sled ride and stay at the Ice Hotel in Sweden where you literally sleep under the stars in a modern-day igloo suite! How are we doing with your cold climate wish list so far? Call us at 386-673-2473 to ask about other Scandanavian treasures you won’t want to miss!
Thus, when it comes to colder climate travels, there is no shortage of exhilarating cruises, tours, and stays to plan! Not sure where to start? There is no need to waste time scouring the Internet for deals and holding on the phone for long periods of time when plans change. Let us help you dream and plan it all out from start to finish. Contact your personal experienced advisor using our convenient online form or by calling 386-673-2473 to enjoy seasoned travel advice, customized itineraries, scheduling or plan changing assistance, and the best value you’ll find anywhere!
]]>For 8 years in a row, we have secured the voter’s choice for the “Best Travel Agency” and the “Best Travel Agent” in the Volusia county in the Reader’s Choice Awards! This is a contest where our clients and our community vote for the best in the business. We are grateful and humbled by the multitude of votes we have received year-after-year for our customer service, industry knowledge, travel experience, and long-term partner relationships that let us offer our clients a truly memorable adventure. Additionally, Marisel Aleman has won the “Best Travel Agent” each year as she provides the ultimate value-packed vacation experience every time. Plus, Marisel is the ONLY nationally recognized travel advisor in our area making her the “Go-To” travel guru for all your getaway needs!
Planning Your Trip is Just the Beginning!
Finally, a travel advisor at your service from start to finish! We believe in providing an all-inclusive journey that begins with dreaming with you about your ideal vacation. Then, your personal advisor will plan every detail on your behalf from transportation reservations to resort stays, tours, and diner plans. Have a special event to plan or dietary restrictions? Allow us to covey all your requests leaving you with a single advisor to contact. Everything is individually customized to give you the journey of a lifetime!
Feel Like a VIP!
With your unique itinerary, you’ll feel like the VIP you are! Think of us as you’re very own complimentary concierge service. Each reservation will be clearly labeled, required directions will be a breeze to find, and all transportation to your activities will be arranged ahead of your stay whenever available. Plus, we are only a phone call away for any last-minute changes or questions. Now, THIS is the vacation you have always imagined!
No Long Hold Times Here!
Speaking of questions, are you tired of calling airlines and hotels only to be told you have the wrong department or be placed on hold for woefully long periods of time? Whether you are requesting a change or asking about the weather, your travel advisors at Cruise Elite, Inc. are looking forward to accepting your call and acting on your behalf. One quick friendly call and done! We will take care of all reservation bookings and alterations with cruise lines, airlines, car and RV rentals, resorts, tours, event planners, activities, and restaurants. Yes, it’s truly that easy when you vacation with Cruise Elite, Inc.!
Industry Experience Counts!
When you contact a travel agency, you may be expecting a personal assistant to book your stay and transportation. At Cruise Elite, Inc., however, we take planning to a whole new level! We pour our many years of industry knowledge and extensive travel experience into each vacation. This means we will give you expert tips on exciting tours, cultural events, top-rated restaurants, best times of year to travel, the seating during transportation that gives you the most scenic views, and, of course, those sights you won’t want to miss! In fact, we will even help you create a bucket list for all the places you will want to visit and why.
Read Our Client Reviews!
Our team continually endeavors to turn all your travel wishes into a reality, and we appreciate each of our five-star reviews and voters each year for our Reader’s Choice “Best Agency” and “Best Travel Agent” awards. Here are a handful of examples of what people are saying about us in their own words.
Hence, when you want to plan a vacation or special event in your life, let the travel experts at Cruise Elite, Inc. assist you with all your travel needs. From the initial conversation until you return home safe-and-sound, we’re here for you! So, even if your trip is in the distant future, go ahead and dream a little with us by filling out our contact form or calling us at 386-673-2473 to find out why our travel agency is considered the one-and-only “Seasoned Traveller’s Choice”.
]]>As travel enthusiasts, we love to hear our extensive experience, great prices, and long-term relationships with top industry companies help our clients discover a passion for exploring their world and returning to places they have fallen in love with again and again. Whether you have been planning this trip in your mind for years or this is a spur-of-the-moment decision, our goal is to pack in as much value as possible. We offer seasoned traveling suggestions, helpful customized itineraries, and so much more! Best of all, it’s all built around you and your interests. Our clients often report they are enjoying their trips so much they are ready to plan the next great adventure before their current vacation has ended!
Visit Alaska
One idea for a memorable journey is to embark on an Alaskan cruise in the fall of 2021. Why the fall? If you want to catch the salmon swimming upstream as seen in Alaska advertisements and nature photos, then aim for September and bring your fishing gear! Plus, long manageably cool days with barely freezing temps at night make the fall season another great reason to head to this wild wonderland. Use this time of year to take a hike and commune with nature where you can witness stunning multi-colored leaves painting the landscapes and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the mysterious dancing Northern Lights!
Cruise Europe
If you ask us, anytime is a great time to cruise around Europe. After all, there is nothing like seeing the famed castles, ornate cathedrals, sprawling vineyards, delightful seaside towns, charming cottages, and romantic bistros. But, there are certain times of the year that may be less popular than others, which could add more value to your trip such as shorter wait times at key tourist sites. Looking to visit in the peak season? Your travel advisor at Cruise Elite can help you make the most out of your time touring the magical locations of your choosing whichever month you decide to go.
Live The Good Life Caribbean Style
For those looking for a more relaxing tropical breeze vibe, sail to a group of picturesque island destinations with our luxury Caribbean cruise packages. Perfect for a family reunion, romantic escape, or a kid-friendly vacation the adults will love too! Your adventures both on the cruise ship and while docked are tailored around your interests to make your stay more than just memorable. This is the ultimate in VIP treatment! The only “rush” that can be found here is at dinnertime as you eagerly await mouth-watering cuisine. With an extensive list of bucket-list-worthy activities for all to enjoy on the ship plus excursions at each port, cruising is the care-free way to see and experience all the world has to offer!
We’re Here to Help!
With award-winning services 8 years in a row, calling our travel agency will feel more like reaching out to your very own travel genie. We will stand ready to assist you from the moment you daydream with us about your ideal vacation with us to your safe arrival home. If plans change, simply let us know and we will contact the airlines, resorts, or cruise lines on your behalf. That’s right, no more hours spent on hold while making phone calls! Your wish is our command for all your travel-related wishes, including cancellations and postponements!
Therefore, book your 2021 cruise or land stay with Cruise Elite, your seasoned traveler’s choice! Are you longing to get a firsthand glimpse of the Alaskan wildlife and glaciers? Do you want to feel transported to a faraway land like something out of a fairytale, classic movie, or top-selling romance novel? Leave your cares behind and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of a truly effortless adventure wherever you choose to roam. Reserve your destination travels with your Cruise Elite advisor, and find out why our clients never want to leave home without us! Call us today at 386-673-2473 or fill out our contact form online. Tour the world with Cruise Elite!
]]>When you picture your dream vacation, does it include going to quaint places off the beaten path you have never visited before? Perhaps you imagine trying new activities on your bucket list or photographing famous landscapes that appear to be from another world. What if you learned all that you seek could be found right here in the States and the only thing you needed to start exploring everything on your wish list is to speak with your traveling gurus at Cruise Elite?
Vacationing While Social Distancing
Maintaining a safe distance is easy while on your road trip to nearby or long-distance destinations in the U.S. Hotels and resorts are going above and beyond to make your stay a safe and relaxing way to unplug from daily stressors. Plus, instead of sight-seeing within walking distance of your resort, road trips allow you the chance to see it all! Ask us about rental cars and RVs as well as how to find all the best restaurants for foodies, unique finds to turn the ordinary trip into an extraordinary journey, and top pick locations to indulge in your favorite past times. There has never been a better time to take advantage of exciting package deals for locations all over the country!
Visit Your Local Lakes & Rivers
Remember what it was like when you were able to stop rushing from place-to-place and simply enjoyed spending time with your loved ones while taking river tours or a cruise on the open ocean? Get that feeling back with our luxurious stays at tucked away places along the rivers and lakes you’ll want to visit again and again! Let the kids take a leap of faith off the pier into the water as you prepare for your choice of any number of activities. Spend your days perfecting your fishing techniques, falling in love with nature on your kayak tour, and testing your water skiing talents. At night, try your hat at cowboy karaoke by the campfire and find out the perfect marshmallow roasting strategy for the best s’mores.
Tour the Shores
Speaking of water adventures, we can help you find the ideal U.S. beach destination that offers something for everyone! Your adventurous members will get a thrill out of top water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy paddleboarding on the calm waters that weave through protected marshlands or swimming side-by-side with beloved marine mammals like Florida’s dolphins or manatees. History buffs will have a chance to feel transported back in time as they walk through restored forts and pirate ships. Then, there’s that glistening sand, tropical umbrella drink, freshly caught seafood, and that soothing call of the ocean waves. Tell us your vision for the beach trip of a lifetime and we will take care of the rest. From setting up a value-packed deal including rentals, tours, and hotel stays to customized itineraries and tips on top hangouts you’ll want to visit, we do it all!
Mountain Getaways
If you are looking for cooler temps to go with your stunning scenery, try one of our mountain escape packages! Hike to the peak to take in miles of tree-topped views, bike through scenic trails, take family portraits by cascading waterfalls, float or paddle downstream, taste the farm-to-table difference, or peruse around some of the most picturesque towns you’ll find anywhere. Nearby or far away, if you can dream it, we can help you plan it!
Thus, while we all wait with great anticipation to board next year’s cruise ships and airplanes, you may discover by using our U.S. package deals and award-winning travel services that some of your most treasured trips were to destinations you can reach by car. Get the most value out of your land vacation by calling Cruise Elite at 386-673-2473 today! We handle all your travel arrangements by land, sea, or air so you can truly experience our full VIP treatment and see firsthand why our clients call us “The Seasoned Traveler’s Choice”.
]]>Looking for a low-key getaway? Begin your tour of Southern beaches at the last stop in South Carolina, Hilton Head Island. This island draws its popularity from offering something for everyone including water sports, spa services, shopping, wildlife excursions, or spending a peaceful day in the sand and surf. Hilton Head boasts calmer more casually rolling waves that make it easy to take a refreshing dip on those hot summer days!
Tybee Island, GA
This island is one destination all family members can enjoy whether they walk on two legs or four! Bring your kids and furry best friend to family-friendly beachside events, wildlife tours, and strolls through the restored Fort Pulaski. Originally built in 1862, this fort has been restored to offer a glimpse of what soldier’s quarters were like during the Civil War. After a walkabout, be sure to sample the touted low country cuisine!
St. Augustine, FL
If you are a history buff, bring the family to St. Augustine with its numerous historical sites and exhibits, dolphin encounters, and pirate adventures! Start your vacation off right with a package deal including a stay at your choice of hotels like the Casa Monica Resort & Spa and catch the Old Town Trolley to explore the area at your leisure where you can hop on and off at each site all day long. For the little lads and lasses, be sure to swing by the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum before heading to an interactive underwater and above water adventure with dolphins at Marineland! This is the beach life like you’ve never seen it, though booking ahead of time is strongly advised due to limited reservations at the exhibits.
Panama City Beach, FL
St. Augustine is not the only beach town where swimming with dolphins can be the highlight of your year! Florida has a handful of locations where this dream can become your reality along with a relaxed worry-free vacation. One such location is Panama City Beach where wildlife can be explored in new ways, such as an airboat tour through the marshlands and creeks that are teeming with wildlife. Will you make it to Mach 10 on the open waters? Find out by setting up your adventure or relaxing vacay package today!
Destin, FL
Sometimes your favorite thing about a vacation is getting away from the crowds. Destin, Florida is known for white shimmering sands and emerald green water that will make you feel like you are transported to a luxurious outdoor spa except the soothing sounds of the ocean you hear are REAL and far better than a recording! Speaking of spas, you have your choice of top spa retreats at hotels such as The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa or Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Other top visitor favorites include the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village or the Henderson Park Inn. No matter which hotel package you choose, you can be assured you’ll find the rest and relaxation you seek as well as memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL
At Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, you can take glass-bottom boat and snorkeling tours to view beautiful and exotic creatures of the sea up close and in their natural habitat. When you have finished communing with the dolphins and colorful fish, you can learn about land animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Ask us about the zoo’s sloth encounters! Whether you are into lazy beach days, zip-lining, kayaking, parasailing, or animal encounters, this is one destination package you will request again-and-again!
Therefore, if it is a warm sandy day at the beach you are craving, you can’t go wrong with these beloved destinations! From start to finish, we will take care of all the reservations and planning details. All it takes to begin setting up your perfect vacation package to any and all of these stunning locations is a quick call to your experienced travel advisor at 386-673-2473. Contact us today to find out why our team is considered “The Seasoned Traveler’s Choice” for all your travel needs!
]]>Roatán, also called Isla Roatán, is the largest of Honduras’s Bay Islands. The island rests on an ancient coral reef, and if that doesn’t sound magical enough on its own, the 32 square miles of this island are filled with beautiful landscapes and ample opportunities for adventures.
From reef diving (either with a snorkel or scuba gear) to ziplining through the lush tropical rainforests, you won’t want to spend a minute of your time in Roatán indoors. And, of course, there are beautiful beaches to be enjoyed every single day that you’re there. When social distancing guidelines are over, you’ll be able to stroll the streets of the few towns on this little island, taking in the shops and handmade wares that many of the local inhabitants offer.
There are many beautiful beachside houses that you can book for a prolonged stay. This is also a popular destination port for many cruise lines, so if you wish, you can make Roatán just one stop of many on your first trip after travel advisories are lifted. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a trip back; Roatán is such an enchanting place, you’re likely to find that one afternoon ashore is simply not enough!
Rome, Italy
Italy has suffered a great deal during this pandemic, with staggering losses being reported in the country. But once this has all passed, Rome may just be the perfect place to escape to. This is one of the most popular European destinations for travelers, and many European cruises dock here as well. After spending so many weeks looking at nothing but the inside of your house, the stunning architecture and landscape of Rome is sure to sweep you off your feet.
You can take in the famous Coliseum, stroll the canals (perhaps some dolphins will still be around?), and enjoy those beautiful city streets you’ve seen videos of online, with the locals singing together during isolation. This truly historic city has so much to offer, and we know that we can hardly wait to visit it again.
Zion National Park
Of course, many people won’t be comfortable with international travel right away, and that’s perfectly fine. If you’re looking for a stateside adventure after all of the isolating you’ve done, Zion National Park is a wonderful place to do it. This park attracts fewer crowds than places like the nearby Grand Canyon National Park, but it has some of the most stunning views in the country. With incredible rock formations, breathtaking vistas, and ample hiking and camping opportunities, it’s the perfect outdoor escape.
You can choose to camp within the park, or book a hotel or vacation rental in town for a more comfortable stay. But wherever you stay, you won’t want to waste a single minute of daylight away from all the beauty that Zion National Park has to offer.
Galapagos Islands
If you’re looking for a beautiful and exotic destination for your first trip after COVID-19, the Galapagos Islands could be the perfect choice for you. With plenty of opportunities for boating, surfing, hiking, diving, and snorkeling, you’ll find yourself spending very little time in your hotel room or vacation rental. The location is also lush with wildlife, both on land and in the sea. From adorable Galapagos penguins to the endangered giant tortoise, you’re sure to encounter animals you’ve never seen before.
Many cruises also dock at the Galapagos Islands, so if you’d like to make this just one stop of many for your next vacation, we can help you find a cruise that brings you to this stunning destination, among others. Whether you go for a week or are only ashore for one day, you’re sure to find plenty of ways to enjoy yourself while you’re there.
For now, daydreaming of our next vacation is really all we can do. But once travel restrictions are listed, we hope you’ll reach out to us and let the experts at Cruise Elite help turn those daydreams into the perfect vacation.
]]>Re-Creating Disney Magic
One of the most frequently seen vacation reenactments on the internet lately are trips to Disneyland and Disney World. Families have gotten truly creative with their efforts to reimagine classic Disney rides like Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Haunted Mansion, among others. Some have even gone through the effort of creating hilarious, low-budget versions of the many parades that can be seen in The Happiest Place on Earth.
While these reenactments surely don’t come close to the real excitement of visiting these wonderful locations, they are still a wonderful way to make lasting memories in these unusual times. And, thanks to the Disney Company releasing their much-loved Dole Whip recipe, you can even get a taste of the Disney parks in the comfort of your own home to help complete your reimagined Disney vacation.
You can find a wonderful list of these homemade Disney vacations here.
Cruising on the Television
If anyone understands just how sad you are to miss your cruise, it’s us. As avid cruisers ourselves, the shutdown of all cruise lines broke our hearts in more ways than one. But seeing how some people have recreated their missed cruises at home has managed to put a smile back on our faces.
One video showed a couple relaxing in their living room, wrapped comfortably in fluffy, white bathrobes, with sunglasses, a sun hat, and even wine glasses to complete their ensembles. With their feet propped up on their entertainment center, they watched a relaxing video of the ocean waves, as if they were watching the water from the balcony of a luxury suite on a cruise ship.
We’d like to think that they also learned how to fold those adorable little towel animals to leave on their own beds every day, but we haven’t yet seen video evidence of that.
Taking a Flight at Home
Traveling by plane may not seem like something you’d want to spend the time re-creating yourself. After all, airline travel can be stressful, and you rarely feel like you have enough leg room. But during this pandemic, people who have had to cancel their flights are reimagining their flight and making it into what it could have been. After all, when you’re the only passenger, you always get to fly first class!
These hilarious photos often include people holding up toilet seats in front of a television screen or other aerial image in order to re-create the look of an airplane window passing over a scenic landscape. With everything from comfy neck pillows to wine glasses that are certainly only found in first-class seating, these savvy travelers have given us all something to smile about during these difficult times.
Others have even gone so far as to re-create the airport experience, using treadmills to reenact the moving sidewalks and baggage claim areas. Let’s just hope nobody lost their luggage on these trips!
Backyard Beaches
As the weather warms up, many people have been forced to cancel trips to the beach. But they haven’t let that stop them from donning their swimsuits. With buckets of sand and plastic kiddie pools, many families are creating backyard beaches to enjoy in the warmer weather. With an umbrella in their drinks and the sounds of ocean waves and noisy seagulls on in the background, we’ve seen many of these families making the best of their current situation.
It’s never easy to have to cancel a trip, especially when the cancellation is caused by factors far beyond your control. But during this difficult time, we’ve greatly appreciated the positivity and ingenuity that these people have shown while re-creating their missed vacations. They certainly put a smile on our faces, and we hope that they put one on yours as well.
If you’ve had to cancel a trip, we hope you are finding ways to make equally happy memories with your loved ones at home. And when the world can travel again, know that we will be here, ready to help you plan your next vacation.
]]>Organizations to Look to for Guidance
Currently, there are several organizations with advisories out against travel—particularly international travel. These include the State Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). You should be watching these organizations for guidance on when it’s safe to resume traveling. Here’s what you should watch for:
- The State Department will lift its Level 4 travel advisory. This was put into place on March 19th, warning all US citizens to avoid international travel, and is the highest level of travel advisory that the State Department has. And while the advisory is technically only applied to international travel, you should avoid any unnecessary travel within the country as well until the advisory is lifted.
- The CDC will give an “all clear.” The CDC rarely issues advisories for travel within the US, but it did in the case of COVID-19. You should wait until they lift this advisory before planning your next trip.
- The WHO has been very clear on its advice to stay home and avoid traveling. If you’re hoping to travel this year, keep an eye on their website. If you see them beginning to ease their restrictions, it may be a good time to start looking at trips.
Of course, these three entities may not all lift their travel restrictions at the same time. It is best that you wait until all of the above travel advisories are lifted before you travel to ensure that it is safe to do so.
Other Signs to Watch For
Of course, there are other signs that you should be on the lookout for if you’re trying to determine if it’s safe enough to travel. Here are a few things to watch for that will signify it is likely safe to travel again:
- Schools and businesses are open again. Once these cornerstones of our everyday lives begin to get back to normal, it’s likely safe to travel.
- Your travel agent is willing to book you again. Of course, as travel agents we will do everything we can to ensure our clients have a wonderful trip. But above all, we want you to stay healthy and safe. When we and other travel agencies are willing to book your travel for you, without any hesitation, you can feel certain that we believe it is safe to travel.
- You can purchase travel insurance again. A great deal of travel insurance companies actually stopped offering policies once the outbreak hit the United States, while others put new restrictions on policies (especially those protecting “cancellation for any reason”). Once travel insurance companies begin offering policies again (particularly those unrestricted policies), you can probably feel comfortable traveling again.
While no one can say for certain when these things will happen, when all of the above begin to happen, it’s likely a good time to start planning your next trip.
The Best Choice for You
While all of the above are good signals that the pandemic has passed and travel is, once again, safe for the general public, the real question comes down to when you feel comfortable traveling again. Odds are, most people aren’t going to rush out and buy a plane ticket or book a cruise the moment the aforementioned events occur—nor should you.
The decision of when it is safe for you, personally, to travel will be based on numerous factors, including your personal health, the risk levels of your loved ones, and more. Nobody—not even the CDC or WHO—can determine when it is safe for you as an individual to travel. But, whenever you begin to feel comfortable with travel again, we will be here, ready to not only book your travel, but to offer input and advice on how to make your trip enjoyable, memorable, and above all, safe.
For now, we hope you stay home and stay safe. And when it’s safe to travel again, Cruise Elite will be here for you.
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