If I’ve learned anything in the past two years, it’s that I DON’T want to be in the prediction business. I’m sure I remember writing sometime in March of 2020, that we expected things to be “back to normal” by July (of that same year!).
However, people resumed travelling in the middle of 2021, and based on the requests we get, there are some patterns evolving for 2022. I want to share my interpretation of these patterns to help you understand the considerations you need to be aware of if you’re planning travel for 2022.
To illustrate the point, I went looking this week for space for a Lower Mississippi cruise the last week of September 2022, and it was 100% sold out already! So, the high demand for some travel products is very real.
Based on current booking trends, and the inquiries we receive, here’s some insight as to how travel in 2022 is shaping up:
ALASKA: After being closed in 2020, and an abbreviated season in 2021, there is a lot of demand for the 49th State. The good news is that several new ships will be in the market in 2022, and the small ship and expedition lines are moving away from the crowded, more manufactured ports, so you can visit some unique, smaller places.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND: These two countries have been essentially closed to visitors for two years, and people are ready to return. We’re expecting a full season in 2022/23. Interestingly, we’re seeing lots of interest in the repositioning cruises at the beginning and end of the season (October & March), that enable you to fly one way, and ride a ship the other way. These cruises are usually between 25 and 40 days long, so they are not for everyone.
DOMESTIC RIVER CRUISES: The Mississippi (and tributaries), as well as the Columbia/Snake Rivers out west are very popular. The standard trip is the Lower Mississippi between New Orleans and Memphis, but there several itineraries that take you as far north as Minneapolis, Chicago, or Pittsburgh, and each river has its own distinctive charms. The Columbia River cruises take you between Portland OR, and Spokane WA, and are spectacular for scenery, waterfalls, volcanoes, and wineries.
CANADA & MEXICO: I guess proximity counts when you’re travelling in a pandemic, and we’re seeing a lot of interest in both these destinations. There is no doubt that both these countries have lots to offer, and you’re not subject to an overseas flight. In Canada, cruises on the Great Lakes or the St. Lawrence Seaway are very popular, and the Pacific side of Mexico is seeing a resurgence in popularity.
There are two other trends that are not location specific:
- Longer Trips – I suppose this make sense, given that PCR tests and extra paperwork is required when you leave the country whether you’re gone for a day or a month. We’re seeing many more requests for two-, three-, and four-week trips, as opposed to a week or 10-days.
- Paying for Upgrades – This might be partially driven by the fact that people earmarked a specific amount for travel in 2020 and 2021, and then didn’t get to spend it. Upgraded air, cruise ship staterooms, and high-end hotel stays are more in demand now than we’ve seen previously.
Finally – and this probably goes without saying – a condition of travelling through to the end of 2022 will almost certainly include the trifecta conditions of proof of vaccination, negative covid tests, and masks in indoor spaces. We are sometimes asked when these requirements will be relaxed, and we don’t know (and neither does anyone else). For planning purposes, I would count on these conditions being in place through to the end of 2022. The trajectory covid takes will determine whether things happen sooner or later than that.
Here’s today’s travel opportunities
American Queen Voyages Year End Sale
American Queen is offering up to $1000 per person off select sailings next year. Here’s some examples:
- Mississippi between New Orleans and Memphis
- Departures in December 2022:
- Inside: $1199 per person
- Window: $2599 per person
- Veranda: $2799 per person
- Departures in December 2022:
- Columbia River between Portland OR, and Spokane WA
- Departures in June:
- Window: $3499 pp
- Veranda: $3599 pp
- Departures in October/November:
- Window: $3049 pp
- Veranda: $3149 pp
- Departures in June:
All depatures above are 9-day packages and the prices already include the discouunt. Remember that all American Queen Voyages include a hotel night prior to embarkation, unlimited shore excursions, an open bar, and wifi on the ship.
The American Queen Voyages Year-End Sale ends January 4th.
Great Value on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Sometimes the best time to book trips abroad is when the news headlines are discouraging others. We’re seeing some compelling value for Uniworld’s European river cruises in 2022. Here’s a few examples:
- 7-night Danube River between Bavaria and Budapest
- From $2199 per person in March/April
- From $3699 per person July/August
- 7-night Rhine River between Amsterdam and Basel
- From $2199 pp in March/April/May
- From $3199 pp in July/August
- 7-night Po River round trip from Venice, Italy
- From $2299 pp in April/May
- From $2499 pp in July/August
We can get you an additional $200 per person on board credit on any of the above Uniworld cruises. Uniworld always includes airport transfers, gratuities, an open bar, choice of shore excursions in every port, and wifi on the ship. To get these prices, we need to place a courtesy hold on a stateroom for you by December 31st.
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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
