Nearly two years later, we’re (unbelievably) still talking about this thing called “covid-19”. Most of us are watching the news with a critical eye and some sense of déjà vu.
We’ve been fielding a number of questions lately, so I thought I’d address those directly. Please remember we don’t own a crystal ball, and much like all of you, we’re trying to make sense of the current situation as best we can with the information available.
Q. Will the world ever return to normal?
A. Yes… but it’s going to take longer than any of us want. It appears that 2022 will have many of the same travel conditions as the second half of 2021.
Q. Are cruise ships safe?
A. Cruise ships are running at reduced capacities and only permitting fully vaccinated travellers. They are testing guests and crew prior to boarding, and in some cases throughout a voyage. Masks are required in confined areas, and high trafficked areas are being disinfected hourly. There are long lists of other risk mitigating measures if you care to look it up. Compare those measures to those of your local grocery store, or any hotel you might stay at, and then make your own determination as to whether ships are safe.
Q. Will I have to wear a mask?
A. Yes – you will be wearing a mask to fly until further notice. In Europe (and just about all other travel destinations) masks are required in any indoor space.
Q. Why would I travel now?
A. That is a personal decision that everyone must make for themselves. Our clients who have travelled in the past six month have overwhelmingly reported positive experiences, although they do acknowledge the extra hoops to be jumped through, and small hiccups along the way.
Q. What are these “hoops” and “hiccups”?
A. Travellers abroad need to provide proof of full vaccination, have a negative test result in advance of travel, and fill out some extra paperwork. The specific requirements vary by destination. Most people report this to be more annoying than onerous, and easily completed. In terms of “hiccups”: airlines cancel flights, hotels and travel providers are still hiring and retraining staff, and there are supply chain shortages that are not resolved yet. Again, our clients report these things to be minor. If you’re expecting perfection, you need to stay at home – for at least another year.
Q. Can I buy insurance for covid-related risk?
A. Yes – but you are well advised to speak with a professional insurance broker who can offer advice and guidance, as well as answer your specific questions about such matters. Be advised that if you buy your insurance from the cruise lines, you’ll be provided with a copy of the policy, but advice and interpretation is not offered unless you phone the insurance company directly.
Q. Are the closures in Austria and Bavaria an indication of things to come?
A. I don’t think so, although I hesitate to make any predictions. It is worth noting that both Austria and Germany have far lower overall infection and death rates per capita than we have here. I think the recent temporary closure simply demonstrates they are more cautious.
Q. Will Australia and New Zealand open soon?
A. Yes – although it will be a slow opening for this season. While these two countries have overall done very well battling the pandemic, their vaccine rollout was delayed, so it is taking more time for them to return to regular travel and tourism.
Q. Are Alaska and Hawaii open?
A. Both states have aligned their entry requirements with the lower 48, so they are available for travel. There is still some friction around rental cars, for example, but they are good domestic options for those wishing to stay closer to home for the next few months. The Alaska summer season is much more booked up than it is normally this far in advance, and all Alaska cruises for 2022 will require proof of vaccination and a passport (there will be foreign port stops).
Here’s today’s travel opportunities
ALASKA
There’s a new player in Alaska this season: the brand-new Ocean Victory, a ship making its inaugural voyage in May 2022. This ship is state of art, and holds only 186 guests, so it is more like a river boat that’s designed to operate on the ocean. The beauty of travelling on such a small ship means you’ll visit smaller, out-of-the-way places the larger ships can’t reach… meaning you’ll get to experience the beauty of Alaska without any crowds.
All Ocean Victory sailings include one night pre-cruise hotel, unlimited guided tours and expeditions, open bar, specialty dining, and wifi on the ship:
- Vancouver to Sitka (or reverse) over 12 or 13 days starting at $3699 per person ($1000 off)
- Sail the Inside Passage, visit Kynoch Inlet, Ketchikan, Metlakatla, Misty Fjords National Monument, Wrangell, Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Petersburg, Tracy Arm (for tidewater Glacier viewing), Kake and Frederick. The fact you may not have heard of many of these places is a testament to the uniqueness of this Alaska itinerary.
- Departures at this price on May 6, May 27, June 27, Sep 9, Sep 19. Similar pricing in July and August.
Given the inclusions on Ocean Victory, on a per-day basis, this is close to what you’d pay to be on a megaship, fighting crowds of thousands of others through “manufactured” ports. This is the perfect chance to see the real Alaska on a small, brand-new ship.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS – Caribbean
If you prefer a warm weather cruise, then we’re seeing some interesting pricing on Regent right now. Regent is truly all-inclusive, and when you calculate the value of those inclusions, it really puts the cruises mentioned below in the same price range as much larger mass-market ships:
- Miami round-trip for 7-nights departing February 14. Veranda suites starting at $3799 per person.
- Port stops at Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Cozumel. Even if you’ve been to these ports before, this is a great opportunity to try out the small ship luxury experience.
Regent has the following inclusions that I welcome you to assign your own value to:
- Round trip Air ($300 – $600)
- All taxes and fees (usually about $200 on a one-week cruise)
- Transfers ($50 – $75)
- Unlimited shore excursions ($300 – $400 – 4 ports of call at $75 – $100 per excursion)
- Unlimited open bar ($35 – $70/day = $250 – $500 for the week)
- Gratuities ($140 for the week)
EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES
Uniworld extended its Picture-Perfect Savings event, so we’re seeing some compelling value for river cruises in 2022. Here’s a few examples:
- 7-night Danube River between Bavaria and Budapest
- From $2199 in March/April
- From $3699 in July/August
- 7-night Rhine River between Amsterdam and Basel
- From $2199 in March/April/May
- From $3199 in July/August
- 7-night Po River round trip from Venice, Italy
- From $2299 in April/May
- From $2499 in July/August
Book through our agency and you’ll get an additional $200 per person on board credit on any of the above Uniworld cruises.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
