I feel like I need a souvenir program (or some type of flowchart) to keep up with all the changes related to travel right now.
My head is spinning!
BUT this IS the news we’ve been waiting for since last March – 14 months ago in “calendar time” and a lifetime ago in “perceived time” (especially if you’re in the travel business).
As part of our Viking’s Partner of the Month campaign, last week I wrote about Viking’s River Cruises in Europe. A couple of days ago, Viking opened up a bunch of sailings in France, Portugal, and on the Rhine River for July 2021. Besides creating new travel opportunities for those wanting to go abroad this summer, it also signals a return to normal, and a high confidence level that cruises will go later in the year. Here’s our announcement if you missed it: https://pamperedcruiser.com/july-2021-river-cruises/
Other river cruise lines followed shortly after with announcements of their own:
- Uniworld River Cruises will resume operations on June 20 on the Po River in Italy. In July, they’ll start up again in France.
- Ama Waterways restarts the first week of July in Portugal and adds other destinations throughout July.
In what can only be described as a miracle, the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously passed a temporary exemption from the Passenger Services Act of 1886 (yes, that ridiculous law is that old) to enable ships to bypass Canadian ports, and sail directly from Seattle to Alaska this summer:
- Princess Cruises will resume sailing one-week round-trip itineraries from Seattle to Glacier Bay National Park on July 25.
- Holland America will also be sailing round-trip from Seattle starting July 24. HAL is also visiting GB National Park.
- Celebrity Cruises will resume one-week round-trip itineraries from Seattle starting July 23rd on the newly refurbished Summit.
So… does this mean we’re back to “normal”?
NO – but it does indicate we’re finally on the road to recovery of the travel industry. There will be a few adjusted conditions for anyone travelling in 2021:
- Almost without exception, proof of vaccine is required to travel in the short term.
- Negative covid tests are still required.
- There will be frequent covid tests, temperature checks, and health questionnaires required to board ships.
- Masks will be required indoors in areas where social distancing is not possible (hallways, for example). Masks will not be required in dining or entertainment venues.
- Depending on where you’re travelling to, you may be restricted to sanctioned shore excursions as the local authorities attempt to keep people in bubbles.
Some people will question whether these compromises are worth it. This is a question everyone has to answer for themselves. These requirements will eventually be dropped as the pandemic subsides, but for now, you will need to be comfortable with these adjusted conditions. If you’re not, then my best advice is to delay your travel into next year.
Viking Expedition Cruises
In the middle of all of this fantastic news, our Viking Partner of the Month promotion continues with a look today at Viking’s newest product – EXPEDITION Cruises. I am really excited about the possibilities here, as Viking introduces its very first Expedition ship, the Octantis, later this year, followed by her sister ship, the Polaris next year.
Viking’s Expedition fleet will have Class 6 ice hulls and hold 378 passengers – the perfect size for exploring remote polar regions. If you’ve been on Viking River or Ocean cruise, these expedition ships will feel very familiar to you with a common deck configuration and vibe on board. Imagine sitting in the Aquavit Terrace, but rather than looking out at the Parliament Buildings in Budapest, you’re looking out at the rugged terrain of Antarctica!
Much like Viking Ocean ships, the best-priced cabin on the Expedition ships is a large Veranda stateroom with an in-suite drying closet (important in polar regions), a mini-bar, and all the other on-board comforts you’ve come to expect from Viking.
In the next two years, we’re seeing 4 types of itineraries on Viking Expedition:
- Coastal Norway and the Arctic – 13-day itineraries round-trip from Tromso, including a stop at Svalbard, and a scenic cruise to the Arctic polar ice cap (tick that off on your bucket list!). You will travel well-north of the Arctic Circle – something not possible on an Alaskan cruise.
- Antarctica – Itineraries ranging between 13 and 19 days that include Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.
- Grand Journeys – these are cruises between 10 and 44 days that take place when the ships are transitioning between the two polar regions. The ship has segmented itineraries that visit Ireland, New York City, Bridgetown Barbados, and Rio de Janeiro.
The fourth type of itinerary is our featured cruise for this week, Great Lakes & Canada Expeditions:
- For example, the “Niagara & the Great Lakes” itinerary is a one-week trip between Milwaukee and Toronto visiting Niagara Falls, Point Pelee, Detroit, Alpena, Mackinac Island, and Traverse City.
- Trips are offered from April through September, with fares starting at $6495 per person.
- Click here to see details about Viking’s Great Lakes Cruises: https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/cruise-destinations/great-lakes-canada/index.html?agenturlid=pamperedcruiser
Receive a bonus $100 per person shipboard credit when you book ANY Viking cruise (River, Ocean, or Expedition) through us before the end of May 2021.
And, as usual, here are a couple of ideas for those that want to travel this year, but would rather stay in the Lower 48:
City Slickers Land Cruise
If you remember the classic Billy Crystal movie, you won’t get herd cattle, but you’ll still get a feel for Cowboy Country. This “Land Cruise” travels between Rapid City, South Dakota and Jackson Hole Wyoming:
- Enjoy stunning views of the American West as you make your way through Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, and more. Overnight in the cowboy towns of Jackson Hole and Cody. Experience the Wild West as it once was with a visit to Deadwood, a town built on gold and gunpowder. Experience Yellowstone National Park, home to an incredible array of wildlife. Search for free-ranging herds of buffalo in Custer State Park. Marvel at Grand Teton National Park’s towering peaks, marked with mountain glaciers. Soak in stunning views of Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorials. Grab your Stetson hat and saddle up for an adventure as you discover natural wonders and cultural treasures.
- Includes 7-night accommodation, all transportation between Jackson Hole and Rapid City, all breakfasts, and 3 dinners.
- Availability in June, September and October, with prices starting at $2599 per person.
West Coast Explorer by Rail
Journey from the Pacific Northwest down the California coast and into Southern California on this unforgettable journey. Start off in Vancouver where you will get to adventure around the “Hollywood of the North.” Then take a quick jaunt south through the Cascade Mountains to Seattle where you will get to visit the Space Needle, Seattle Waterfront, and experience what makes the “Emerald City” so special. From there, the scenic Coast Starlight route will guide you south and into San Francisco, where you will explore the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf as well as the nearby Napa and Sonoma Wineries. Also, no trip to Northern California is complete without a stop in Yosemite National Park! From there you will continue down to Southern California for time in both Hollywood and San Diego. This is a complete Pacific Coast journey!
- 13-days from Vancouver to San Diego. (immediate departures will begin in Seattle until such time as the Canadian border has reopened)
- Pricing from $3449 per person, includes all rail travel and accommodation.
- Trip highlights:
- Hop-On, Hop-Off sightseeing in Vancouver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles
- Seattle CityPASS to visit the Space Needle, Aquarium, Harbor Cruise, Chihuly Gardens.
- Sightseeing tours of Yosemite National Park, Sonoma, and Napa Valley
- Sightseeing Harbor Cruise in San Diego
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
