In the World News
Effective immediately travelers must wear a mask inside airports and while on commercial airplanes, trains, interstate buses, and ferries. Any person on federal lands or visiting federal buildings must also wear a mask.
Adventures by Disney
New Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises have been announced. With voyages to Antarctica beginning in late 2021 and to the Galapagos Islands in 2022, guests will embark on exhilarating adventures across breathtaking, remote landscapes while enjoying a leisurely voyage with family-focused activities curated by the travel experts at Disney. Itineraries include Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition Cruise, Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise, and a Buenos Aires Escape.
Photo Credit Disney Destinations
Hawaii
Maui County now requires all arriving passengers to have uploaded the AlohaSafe COVID-19 exposure app or other Google-Apple exposure notification (GAEN) system to their mobile phones. Failure to do so will result in a mandatory 10-day quarantine. For information about AlohaSafe and links to download, go to https://www.alohasafealert.org/. The new rule applies to both arriving transpacific as well as inter-county passengers and is in addition to existing statewide Safe Travels Program requirements. Persons subject to quarantine while awaiting Covid-19 test results must now quarantine at an approved hotel/motel. This now includes inter island travelers.
Additionally, inter-county passengers must now have their negative test results prior to arrival; Maui County will no longer accept negative test results received post-arrival.
Face coverings must be worn while walking to and from the pool or beach area and may only be removed once the person is stationary and adequately separated from non-household members.
Bars and restaurants must close no later than 10 p.m.
Dominican Republic
All international visitors staying at a hotel in the Dominican Republic will be given a free Covid-19 rapid/antigen test to meet the re-entry requirements by the U.S. The rapid tests will be administered by on-site health personnel, and the results will be certified by the Ministry of Health. Guest may also choose to take a PCR test at an additional cost.
Photo Credit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Cruise News
Disney Cruise Line
A new Disney Wonder 2-Night Seattle sailing on July 5, 2021 is now. This is in addition to the June 28, 2021 7-Night Alaska sailing that replaced the June 28, 2021 9-Night Alaska sailing.
Disney Wonder 2-Night Seattle Cruise from Vancouver
Monday – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Tuesday, Seattle, Washington
Wednesday – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
A temporary final payment extension was added to Disney Cruise Line sailings through Aug. 31, 2021. In addition, the cruise cancellation fee schedule has been relaxed for sailings through Aug. 31, 2021. They have also extended the temporary Cruise Date Flexibility option, allowing guests the option to change their sail day up to 15 days prior to their cruise. This means that for any new or existing cruises booked prior to March 31, 2021, for sailings through Aug. 31, 2021, the sail date can change up to 15 days prior to departure.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Group announced it has entered into an agreement to sell Azamara Cruises to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer, retail and distribution investments. Sycamore Partners will acquire the entire Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet, the Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, and Azamara Pursuit.
Royal Caribbean will be suspending the Quantum of the Seas’ 2021 Alaska season, impacting sailings departing April 25- October 14, 2021 as the ship will be staying in Asia.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian has made the decision to further suspend all voyages through and including April 30, 2021. Guests are being offered a full refund or a return of their Future Cruise Credit as well as a special offer.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has reported that the Pacific Princess has been sold. President Jan Swartz stated “Pacific Princess holds so many memories and cherished experiences to all who sailed upon her… Pacific Princess offered a traditional style of cruising to unique destinations.” As a result of Pacific Princess’ departure, her remaining voyages have been cancelled.
They will be welcoming newest additions to their fleet, Enchanted Princess later this year and sister ship Discovery Princess in 2022.
Theme Park News
Walt Disney World Resort
An exciting announcement came out this week, and we are all looking forward to the return of some entertainment to the parks. "The Festival of the Lion King" will be returning to the Harambe Theatre in Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer. It will be presented in a modified format to be mindful of the current environment. There will be adjustments to the show on stage and backstage, including updates to choreography to allow for appropriate physical distancing. There will also be an adjustment to how the audience is seated, in line with other theater-based experiences.
The Jungle Cruise will be undergoing some re-imagining....
The Hippy Dippy Pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort will be unavailable February 15 through early March 2021 while it undergoes maintenance work. As an alternative, Guests staying at this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the other themed pools—the Bowling Pool or the Computer Pool.
Gideon’s Bakehouse celebrated a very successful grand opening in Disney Springs. Guests can find it in The Landing, and this incredible bakery packed with handmade, almost half-pound cookies, double frosted cakes, and delicious iced coffees. The dark and mysterious atmosphere themed to an old bookshop creates an unforgettable experience as soon as guests walk through the door, and they will be surprised by some interactive elements inside.
The colorful M&M store will be opening soon at Disney Springs West Side. The store will feature new Mickey and Minnie Mouse M&M’s designs and packaging sold exclusively at Disney Springs. It will also be filled with their signature chocolate wall and feature a vast assortment of whimsical merchandise, including apparel and accessories.
